We should convince IOC about our system: PT Usha
The IOC on Thursday rejected IOA's compromise formula on the chargesheet clause even as a defiant IOA stuck to its stand that Indian law would prevail on these matters, further jeopardising the country's chances of a quick return to the Olympic fold.
India's sprint legend PT Usha on Friday sought to steer clear of the ongoing battle between the International Olympic Committee and Indian Olympic Association but felt efforts should be made to make the world body understand the Indian system.
"Actually, IOC has misunderstood something. I think so," Usha said. (IOC deadline to IOA: Drop tainted members, hold elections by December 15)
"We should convince IOC about our system in every area like politics and sports that if any problem arises, there is a system to solve it. We should follow Indian system," the Olympian added.
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday rejected Indian Olympic Association's compromise formula on the chargesheet clause even as a defiant IOA stuck to its stand that Indian law would prevail on these matters, further jeopardising the country's chances of a quick return to the Olympic fold.
Usha, however, refused to be drawn into the controversy, saying that she didn't want herself to put "in a problem" when asked whether she backed her former track-mate Aswini Nachappa, who is demanding that the charge-sheeted officer-bearers should be pushed out of the IOA.
"I don't want to say that (on supporting Nachappa's comments). The case is going on unless it (verdict) comes (out), I don't want to comment on it. Because we don't know who is correct, and the case is going on," said Usha.
Usha, who is here as a coach for the Senior Open Athletics Championships beginning here on Saturday, said there was no problem in politicians holding office in sports associations, "but they should have knowledge of sports".
The 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.