New Delhi, Dec 7 (IBNS): Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi on Friday said the suspension of the Indian Olympic (IOA) by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was due to a bureaucratic wrangle and culmination of dirty politics. Excerpts from the interview:
How did you receive the news on IOA ban? Who's responsible for this mess?
I saw the news posted on twitter, I am not sure who is personally responsible for this but from what I hear and read it’s a culmination of dirty politics.
How embarrassing is this for Indian sportspersons?
Obviously very, I am not sure when this has happened last to any country, not being able to represent India for the sportsperson at any international meet is punishing and for absolutely no fault of theirs.
Isn't the ban a blessing in disguise for Indian sports?
As long as someone in a position to make a difference takes the lead and starts cleaning up the mess one by one.
Is this the right time for established stars to get involved in the running of the sports bodies, which have been under politicians for decades?
I don’t know how many of them want to, I have always said it needs to be a mix of sportspersons and business-savvy folks; once this is done I am sure we will change the culture in India
Almost all of the 39 sports federations as well as the state bodies are dominated by corrupt hands, how hard will it be to clean up?
If it is done it will be a very unique achievement and nothing special or unique is easy to do, but it can be done.
