Gill today modified a 1975 regulation under which national sports federation (NSFs) Presidents cannot occupy office for more than 12 years, with or without break, while a secretary or a treasurer can serve two terms of four years each but will have to take a four-year break before seeking re-election.

Also, anyone over the age of 70 will not be eligible to continue in their posts.

The order means that Kalmadi, who was elected in 1996, will have to quit as President of the IOA by the end of his fourth term in 2012 after the London Olympics. 

The IOA secretary general Randhir Singh, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who has been occupying the post for the last 20 years, will also have to step down.

Though a secretary is eligible to seek reelection after a four-year cooling off period, Randhir would not be eligible as he will be beyond the age of 70.

The Sports Ministry claimed it took the decision after studying regulations of the IOC and other world governing bodies.

Federations which refuse to accept the order will lose Government recognition and not be eligible for financial support, the Sports Ministry said.

They will also lose the power to select national teams for events like the Olympics.

V.K Malhorta, the President of the Archery Association of India for more than 30 years and another affected by the decision, led the protests.

He said: "It is a ridiculous decision.

"These guidelines first came out during emergency in 1975 and court had issued notice asking under what law the Government was to implement them.

"They were never implemented and after 35 years they have been brought in now, that too in a year when India is hosting Commonwealth Games."

Malhorta, who is also a vice-president of the IOA, claimed that they would take legal action against the decision.

Last month the IOA wrote to the Government to say that it did not want to receive any more financial assistance because they wanted to retain their independence.

Malhorta said: "I have spoken to Kalmadi and have asked to call an IOA Executive Committee or office bearers' meeting very soon.

"It will be in two or three days' time.

"I have suggested him if Delhi High Court decides in favour of Government the IOA should go to Supreme Court."

Malhorta warned that the India risked suspension from the IOC if the law was imposed.

He "The IOC and the OCA (Olympic Council of Asia) don't allow Government interference and may take action if they come to know this.

"Commonwealth Games Federation members are now here and it's the most inopportune time to take the decision.

"It was a one-sided decision.

"The Ministry could have called all the NSFs to a meeting and then decide.

"It should be prerogative of the NSFs to decide on this."

But Gill (pictured) defended his decision and claimed that he was merely trying to bring Indian sport into line with the Olympic Movement.

He said: "I passed this order in confidence that it will serve the best interest of the sportspersons of the country and it will give an impetus to transparent and professional management of Indian sports in the new century.

"More importantly, the International Olympic Committee itself, which is the mother body of all sporting federations, enforces limits on the tenure of its executive members, vice-presidents and the President, besides enforcing a retirement age of 70 on all its members elected after December, 1999."

Gill was supported by Milkha Singh, India's greatest-ever athlete, known as the "Flying Sikh" who won the 400 metres at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff and briefly held the world record.

He said: "I think this is a step in the right direction.

"I think it will lead to a situation where better people would join administration and the standard of sports would rise."

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