With public sentiment in mind, IOA calls for meeting

With growing resentment in India over Dow Chemicals association with the London Olympics, the IOA has convened a meeting on Friday to discuss the issue following IOC chief Jacques Rogge’s suggestion that they should enter into a dialogue with the athletes.

With growing resentment in India over Dow Chemicals association with the London Olympics, the IOA has convened a meeting on Friday to discuss the issue following IOC chief Jacques Rogge’s suggestion that they should enter into a dialogue with the athletes.

Although the IOA has made it clear that there was no question of India boycotting the Games, the meeting of the top brass assumes importance in the light of Rogge's statement as well as the public outrage.

“A meeting has been called on December 9 to discuss issues related to this problem. The IOA’s general body and the Executive Board will meet on December 15,” said IOA vice-president Tarlochan Singh.

Tarlochan said all the issues related to Dow Chemicals sponsorship and the resentment it has created will be taken into account by the members before taking a final decision. “The matter has to be thoroughly discussed, we can’t take a decision on our own. The sentiments of the people of Bhopal are also important,” he said.

He said the IOA is aware of Rogge’s comments and would discuss his suggestion in the meeting.