New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) Indian Olympic Association’s acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra Friday denied reports in a section of the media that the apex body of India’s sport decided to boycott the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics to protest its sponsorship by Dow Chemicals.
After a meeting of the IOA’s Executive Board, Malhotra said the issue was not on the agenda of Friday meeting and in any case “we had not discussed the the matter at all.”
“There were some reports that the IOA will boycott the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. The issue was not in the agenda today. But the IOA has not taken any decision on this,” Malhotra said.
IOA secretary general Randhir Sigh said boycotting the ceremonies would have been a tragedy for Indian athletes.
“Top athletes have qualified for London Olympics. This time, India have also qualified in hockey. They should not be deprived of the chance to represent the country in the Olympics. India should take part in London Olympics. Bhopal gas tragedy was a disaster and thousands of people were affected. We feel for them. But at the same time, boycotting the Games would also be a tragedy for the athletes,” Randhir said.
