NEW DELHI: The athletes will play a vital role in deciding whether India will boycott the London Olympic Games if the IOC refuses to drop Dow Chemicals as a sponsor of the event, Sports Minister Ajay Maken has said.
Maken said he does not want confusion in the minds of the sportspersons and hence the decision to boycott or not will be taken when the appropriate time comes.
“There is no doubt in the minds of the players. If we start consulting players, are we then not creating confusion. Athletes will have a very important role in that. “What athletes feel, will play a very important role in our decision. It will have a bearing on the decision we take,” Maken said.
Asked what the government will do if the IOC eventually rejects its demand to drop Dow Chemicals as sponsors, Maken responded by saying, “It’s a difficult question, very hypothetical one. We have not yet decided on this.”
“We do have a plan, (but) why divulge the plan now.” Maken insisted that the government has not yet decided if the Indian officials should boycott the opening and closing ceremony of the Games. We have not yet decided on that. I can’t say anything on that. We will keep in mind the sensitivities and feelings of the Bhopal people as well as feelings of the players.” (PTI)
