Hope to hear national anthem at Sochi Games, says sports minister

Sports minister Jitendra Singh said in the Parliament on Monday that if an Indian wins a medal in the Sochi Winter Olympics, the newly-formed Indian Olympic Association will try to convince the International Olympic Committee to play the national anthem. Three Indians are participating in the Sochi Games under the IOC flag since the IOA was under suspension when the Games began on February 7. (New IOA president has his task cut out)

It is highly unlikely that India will win a medal in the Winter Games. India's best bet Shiva Keshavan finished a disappointing 37th in the luge event. Thirty-two-year-old Keshavan was taking part in his fifth Olympics. Two other Indians are also competing in the Games. Cross-country skier Nadeem Iqbal will start his competition in 15km Classic run on February 14 while Alpine skier Himanshu Thakur's Giant Slalom event begins on February 19. (Also read: Shiva Keshavan vows to 'destroy' opponents in next Olympics)

The Indians are competing as independent athletes in Sochi. The sports minister said the IOA tried its best to hold its elections before the Games began but couldn't.  The IOA elections were held on Sunday and N. Ramachandran, the brother of Board of Control for Cricket in India boss N. Srinivasan, was elected as the new president. "My immediate job is ensure that India returns to Olympic fold and our athletes take part in international events under the national flag," Ramachandran told the media on Sunday.