Athletes anxious following IOA’s suspension

New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) Top athletes were quick to share there disappointment after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) due to government interference.

Shooter Abhinav Bindra, India’s sole individual gold medallist at the Olympics, tweeted: “Bye Bye IOA, hope to see u again soon, hopefully cleaner!”

Boxer M.C. Mary Kom, who won a bronze at the London Olympics, said it would be difficult for her to compete without knowing the fate of Indian sports.

“I do not know much about this (suspension). I don’t have a good feeling about this. I will not be able to give my 100 percent without the Indian flag,” said Mary Kom, suggesting India’s possible exclusion from the major sporting events.

Veteran tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi had this to say: “So I got banned, now the IOA gets banned, they says things like these normally happen in three’s.. Wonder what’s next!!”

Former Indian cricekter Bishan Singh Bedi asked on his twitter page: “What is worse -IOA, IOC or IPL?! Please come forward with constructive response. Remember the sportspersons’ involvement is strictly at stake. Thanks.”

With the suspension, India is now in a dubious list that includes Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

IANS 2012-12-04 19:32:07