Indian Olympic stars firmly in support of IOA changes

By Nick Butler

December 13 - Two of India's best known Olympic sportsmen, shooter Abhinav Bindhra and wrestler Sushil Kumar, have each spoken today in support of the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) decision to amend its constitution.

The IOA has been suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since December 2012 after elections which saw tainted officials given top positions amid allegations of corruption linked to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

But, after IOC President Thomas Bach warned that they could face expulsion if no action was taken, a belated decision was made to comply and the two figures at the centre of the scandal, President Abhay Chautala and secretary general Lalit Bhanot, will each now be replaced under the proposed changes.

Shooter Bindra, whose 10 metre air rifle title at Beijing 2008 deemed him the first ever individual Olympic champion from India, has long been outspoken in criticising the IOA and calling for changes to be made.

The Indian Flag, carried by Bindra at Delhi 2010, should be present again at sporting events in 2014 ©Getty Images

This even led to personal criticism of Bindra by Chautala for daring to voice his opinions.

It was therefore unsurprising that, when questioned by insidethegames during a Twitter interview session ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games, the shooter welcomed the changes.

"It is a step forward because basic standards of good governance are non negotiable," he said.

He then added that in terms of who takes over, he "would like to see people passionate for Indian sport involved".

The change should bring to an end an embarrassing period for Indian sport which has seen athletes competing at events, such as the Asian Youth Games in Nanjing in August, under the Olympic flag.

It still appears likely that this will remain the case at the time being, including at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, as the ban will be upheld until after elections due to be held on February 9.

Bindra's stance has been echoed by another Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar, bronze medal winner at Beijing 2008 and runner-up at London 2012 in the 66 kilogram freestyle division.

Sushil Kumar, in action in the London 2012 final, has shared Bindra's critical stance ©AFP/Getty Images

He insisted that the Indian sporting administrators have been provided with an opportunity by the world body to present a "perfect gift" to its athletes before next year's Commonwealth and Asian Games.

"All the athletes want to compete under the tri-colour - we all want to return to the Olympic fold," he told Indian new agency PTI.