Indian Olympic Association (IOA) acting-President Vijay Kumar Malhotra revealed that they would discuss the idea at the organistion's next Executive Board 
on Thursday (March 2). 

"There is no question of an Olympic boycott," said Malhotra. 

"We are still protesting...we will decide on the form of protest.

"It will hurt the players who have qualified if we tell them that they are not going.

"We may decide on how we can take part under protest.

"The Executive Board meeting on March 2 will decide on this."

The IOA had asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to drop Dow as a worldwide sponsor claiming that its links with Union Carbride, whose gas plant leak in 1984 caused 15,000 deaths in Bhopal.

They have also protested to London 2012 organisers over a separate deal under which the Michigan-based company are sponsoring the wrap around the Olympic Stadium.

Both the IOC and London 2012 have defended Dow and pledged to stand by them, claiming that as Dow did not take over Union Carbride until 1999 they could not be held responsible for what happened at Bhopal.

India's Sports Ministry revealed today that they have again written a "strongly-worded letter" to the IOC protesting about Dow's sponsorship.

It is the first time that the Indian Government have officially intervened in the affair.

For Dow Chemicals to be engaged as an official sponsor was "extremely distressing" considering the company was linked with an industrial disaster in which thousands were killed and an even larger number incapacitated for life, the letter said.

"We are dismayed that the IOC has not respected the sentiments of a large group of stakeholders including Olympians and withdrawn its association with Dow Chemicals.

"The Government of India would, therefore, strongly urge the IOC to go beyond lesser considerations, and in the larger interest of the ideals of human rights, compassion and solidarity, immediately take steps to cancel the sponsorship of Dow Chemicals, thereby apart from assuaging the feelings of millions of people, send a strong message for upholding the noble ideals of the Olympic Movement."

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