Suspended IOA's president Abhay Chautala launches personal attack on shooter Abhinav Bindra

Suspended Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) president Abhay Singh Chautala on Friday launched a personal attack on Olympic champion rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra, who is spearheading a campaign to clean Indian sports. (Chautala intruded IOA AGM, reveals Nachappa)

"Abhinav's father has been in jail for more than a month in a cheque bouncing case. If Bindra has a problem with tainted people, then he should first disown his father or leave his father's house immediately," Chautala said. (We should convince IOC about our system, says PT Usha)

The comment drew sharp reaction from the National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) with its President Raninder Singh saying Chautala should focus on putting his own house in order. (IOC's full letter to IOA)

"It's like the big pot calling the small kettle black. People who live in glasshouses should not make such statements. Our Olympic medallist is being attacked with very shallow words. I know the Bindra family well. He (Bindra) has every right to speak. As NRAI President, I strongly condemn this," Raninder said.

Bindra also got the backing of tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi, who is also campaigning for the ouster of tainted officials from the IOA.

"The 140 character limit on twitter doesn't really help with all I want to say about the IOA attacking @Abhinav_Bindra and his family but..I promise you @Abhinav_Bindra you have all the support you need and more. Are are and will always remain India's Golden boy!!" tweeted Bhupathi.

Bindra, the only Indian to win an individual Olympic gold, has been spearheading a campaign to clean the IOA of corrupt individuals.

Along with double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, Bindra has also submitted a petition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requesting to remove corruption from Indian sports and reinstate the country in the Olympic fold.

"As athletes we want more than anybody or anything else for India to be reinstated into the Olympic fold. We were delighted by the IOC recommendations and it was the first time that the Indian sport fraternity could opt for sweeping reforms. However, we are now deeply troubled by the outcomes after the last meeting," the petition said.

"We strongly believe that India's reintroduction into the Olympic movement must be focused around substantial ethical and governance related reforms," the petition said.

The IOC had rejected the request of the suspended IOA to allow charge-sheeted officials to continue in and run for office.

The IOC executive board met Wednesday in Buenos Aires and decided that the ban on the IOA will continue if the apex body for sports in India does not change its constitution to keep out charge-sheeted individuals.

"The Executive Board heard a report that the IOA's General Assembly had approved most of the amendments to the IOA's constitution requested by the IOC, but one specific clause had not been adopted. This clause, which deals specifically with the eligibility of members, is key to the good governance of the NOC and needs to be fully accepted before the suspended IOA can proceed with the elections. An official notification of the IOC's position will be sent to the IOA," the IOC said in a statement.

(With PTI and IANS inputs)