Shocked to know about mess IOA is in: Abhinav Bindra tells NDTV
World and Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra on Tuesday said he was shocked to know about the controversy surrounding the Indian Olympic Association's elections.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: November 27, 2012 10:31 PM IST
World and Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra on Tuesday said he was shocked to know about the controversy surrounding the Indian Olympic Association's elections.
Speaking to NDTV over videophone from Munich, Bindra said he was not even aware of the matter till people began asking him. "I was not even aware of all this till I came here in Munich. People asked me what is happening back in India and if IOA is going to be banned. I was shocked," he said.
The International Olympic Committee had previously warned the IOA that the elections - scheduled to take place on December 5 - should adhere to the international charter. Since, various nominations have been withdrawn and now, Abhay Singh Chautala is all set to become the president. (Read: After Randhir, Tytler, Gehlot withdraw nomination)
Asked if sports persons should now start voicing their opinion, Bindra said he has never held a different opinion on the matter. " I have always voiced my opinion and never been scared of doing so. Administrating a sport is not easy and it has a various aspects to it. I think sports persons should be in administration roles. It is essential to keep sports clean," he said adding that these were just his honest views and that he wishes Chautala luck.
He concluded by saying that his views 'should not hurt anybody with a conscience' but also that charge-sheeted politicians should not stand. "They must earn the respect of athletes." (Also read: When IOA had lashed out against Sports Ministry for interfering)