 New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association on Saturday sought to steer clear of the controversy over tainted Suresh Kalmadi attending the London Olympic Games, saying that he was not a member of IOA delegation.
IOA Acting President V K Malhotra said that Kalmadi himself had not asked the national apex sports body to include him as part of the delegation.
"Suresh Kalmadi, MP is not a member of the IOA delegation to London Olympics. Indian contingent for the Games has been finalised a month back and Mr Kalmadi does not figure in it," Malhotra said in a statement.
"Mr Kalmadi never asked IOA to make him a part of its delegation," he added.
Malhotra also hit out at Sports Minister Ajay Maken for writing a letter to the IOA not to allow Kalmadi go to the Olympics as part of its delegation.
"The ministry should have verified the facts from the IOA before writing the letter. The Sports Ministry letter asking the IOA not to provide any assistance or help to Mr Kalmadi holds no ground as he is not going to London as part of the Indian contingent," Malhotra said.
A Delhi Court yesterday allowed Kalmadi to attend the London Olympics and that evoked sharp reactions with Maken stating that he would try to ensure that the disgraced administrator is not a part of the Indian delegation.
Apart from the minister, Clean Sports India, a movement for corruption-free sports, also denounced Kalmadi.
Kalmadi, on his part, today accused the Sports Minister of carrying out a vilification campaign against him and called for his resignation.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, July 14, 2012, 19:18
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