Kalmadi has no moral right to ask me to quit, fumes Maken

Sports minister Ajay Maken has dismissed Suresh Kalmadi's demand that he step down for contempt of court for opposing the latter's trip to London during the Olympics as a council member of the international athletics federation.

Sports minister Ajay Maken has dismissed Suresh Kalmadi's demand that he step down for contempt of court for opposing the latter's trip to London during the Olympics as a council member of the international athletics federation.

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At a farewell function for the London-bound sportspersons on Sunday, Maken said Kalmadi "has no moral right to ask me about my resignation".

The Delhi high court permitted Kalmadi, who is facing charges of corruption in connection with the Commonwealth Games, to fly to London.

Asked about Kalmadi's presence at the Olympics, Maken told reporters, “He won't be a part of the IOA's delegation or the government's. I have asked the IOA to explain the matter to the IAAF (International Athletics Federation) and the IOC.”

He said Kalmadi should not travel to the Olympics unless he is cleared of all charges.

'Don't make TCs out of sportspersons'

Maken urged public sector companies to utilise the services of sportspersons employed with them even after their playing days.

“There have been cases when retired sportspersons have been seen checking tickets on trains and at railway stations, or made to work as stewards on flights," he said.

“I request the public sector employers to make them do something related to their sport in the area they hail from. Let them become coaches at SAI centers or schools.”