IOA to lodge protest on Dow

The sports ministry has shot off another letter to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), asking it to pursue the Dow Chemicals' sponsorship issue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The sports ministry has shot off another letter to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), asking it to pursue the Dow Chemicals' sponsorship issue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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The letter, the second since December 5, states: "Since Dow Chemicals will partner the IOC and national Olympic committees (NOC) around the globe, including India, it will certainly have its repercussions because of the growing resentment among the public due to the tragedy in Bhopal.

"The IOA should raise the issue immediately with the IOC to draw its attention." It also says that the ministry should be informed of the deliberations with the IOC.

The IOA decided in its executive board meeting on Thursday to send a protest letter to the IOC, insisting on the removal of Dow as a sponsor for the London Games. The issue was also discussed in the IOA's general body meeting.

IOA acting president, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, said he would write to the IOC chief, Jacques Rogge, and Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Games Organising Committee.

"We will apprise the IOC of the growing sentiments of the people in the country. The issue is getting bigger as various NGOs from across the world are also protesting," he said.

Malhotra has also written to the Prime Minister seeking the government's views so that there is a united stand on the sensitive issue.

The IOA, however, is not in favour of boycotting the Games.