IOC vs IOA: It will be a shame if we can't represent India, says Olympian shooter Joydeep Karmakar

On a day when the International Olympic Committee refused to admit India into the Olympic fold, former and current Indian Olympians have slammed the Indian Olympic Association for its stubborn attitude and stance in this delicate situation. (IOC shoots down IOA's compromise formula)

India's ace shooter Abhinav Bindra says administrators need to look beyond themselves and run the sports in the country in the most ethical manner.

"We are at an extreme situation. Country's athletes are at stake and administrators have to look beyond themselves. Response to Clean Sports India campaign has been heartening. We want to bring glory to India and want sports to run in the most ethical manner in the country," Bindra told NDTV in an exclusive chat from Chandigarh.

Miffed by IOA for not accepting IOC's "charge-sheet" clause for better governance, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist said: "IOA is trying to negotiate something with IOC which is non-negotiable." (Malhotra urges united IOA stand)

London Olympic silver medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar wanted IOA to abide by the IOC rules just as the athletes do in their events.

"When we go to any event to play under the Indian flag, we feel proud to represent our country. But when news of the IOA being banned comes in, it hurts us. I would only like to say that like us, the IOA officials should also play according to the Olympic rules." (Will request alternative solution, says Sports Minister)

IOA has been in exile since last December when the IOC's executive board suspended India after Lalit Bhanot, who is facing corruption charges linked to the scandal-hit New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010, was elected secretary-general of the IOA.

Joydeep Karmakar, who represented India at the 2012 London Olympics and came within a whisker of a bronze medal in the men's 50m rifle prone event, was extremely disappointed at the way IOA has gone about the whole saga.

"The whole thing (IOC's refusal to admit India) was shocking but expected as it has been going on for a long time. Honest efforts were not really made by the IOA.

"As athletes we follow the competition rules laid down by the Olympic body and I do not see IOA face any difficulties in abiding by rules that adhere to their field," Karmakar told in an exclusive chat to NDTV.

Karmakar also spoke on behalf of all those athletes for whom representing the Indian tri-colour was a dream and nothing else could match it.

"That is very unfortunate for an athlete. Only he knows what it takes to wear an Indian jacket with the Ashoka Chakra and the Indian tri-colour. We will always be Indians by heart but representing under the Indian flag will obviously be different from being under the Olympic flag," an emotional Karmakar added.

Meanwhile, India's tennis veteran and an Olympian himself, Mahesh Bhupathi, too has rallied behind former and current stars to unite as one against the menace of corruption in sports administration in India.

In a statement released to the media, Bhupathi said: "Ethics in sport and sports administration are non-negotiable, and cannot be 'compromised' in any manner whatsoever. As long as sport in this country is not governed in an ethical and fair manner, I strongly believe this ban will, rightly so, continue to stay.

"I am proud of the sporting community in India for joining forces in standing up for what we all believe is right - fair representation, good governance and  just treatment of sports and sports people. Abhinav spearheaded this campaign to show solidarity in our beliefs and it is encouraging to see that the campaign has not only gained momentum amongst sportspersons, but also the masses.

"his is a baby step in the right direction and we look forward on building from here," said Bhupathi.

Speaking to NDTV, former Indian hockey skipper and Olympian Viren Rasquinha echoed Bindra and Sushil's words saying that IOA needs to abide by the IOC's Charter and not allow any office-bearer with criminal or corruption charges against them.

"We are talking about charges that are framed. I am not a lawyer but it must be a pretty serious offence that the investigation authorities and court have framed the charges.

"In sport we have to set a very high standard. Suspension of tainted officials is the bare minimum we expect as sportspersons. Even chargesheeted politicians have to get elected through a voting process but here (in IOA) a small voting college are electing themselves year after year. So, there is no accountability."

Rasquinha also slammed the IOA for not doing enough for Indian sports.

"In my eight-year hockey career with the Indian team, we never interacted with the IOA and they too never bothered to interact with us. Associations world over, have a big role to play in developing country's talents for the CWG, Asiads, worlds etc but here in India that does not seem to be the case.

"Taking away an athlete's proudest moment - to sing the national anthem and proudly see the national flag raised - is in itself a criminal offence," a satirical Rasquinha said.

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