The Indian Olympic Association has been fined $10,000 for withdrawing teams from the Asian Games at a late stage, but All India Tennis Association chief Anil Khanna is hopeful that the penalty would be withdrawn.
Interestingly, the Indian contingent’s chef de mission and Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla told PTI that he was not aware of any such development.
Khanna, meanwhile, said he overheard that the fine would be imposed on India for withdrawing “rugby men’s team and another team”.
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“I then requested them to reconsider the fine. I am hopeful the matter would be resolved. It’s a small issue, why make it big,” he asked.
Earlier, Sumariwalla said, “Not to my knowledge. I believe this was discussed at the OCA meeting yesterday. I doubt any fine has been imposed so far. You can ask Anil Khanna about it.”
A huge list of participants and officials had been forwarded by the IOA to the Sports Ministry ahead of the Games. The Ministry pruned the list and also made it clear that no one can send anyone to Incheon at “no cost to the government”.
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After some more persuasion on the size of the contingent, already an imposing 679, was boosted to 722 which was the figure given by Sumariwalla after the Indian flag was raised at the athletes’ village.