NEW DELHI: In a damage control exercise, the sports ministry claimed that the alleged case of aggressive behaviour by one of its unaccredited officials in the Rio Olympic Games was a case of misunderstanding but it has still instructed him to “strictly follow” the rules set by the Organising Committee. The Ministry, in a statement issued on Friday, denied receiving any such complaint either from the Rio OC or the IOA.
“Attention of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has been drawn towards a letter written by an official of Rio Organising Committee to the Chef-de-Mission of Indian Olympic Association regarding entry of an un-accredited Indian Official accompanying the Minister into some accredited area. One such official usually accompanies the Minister on such visit,” the Ministry stated. “It is clarified that no formal communication has been received by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports either from Rio Organisation Committee or through IOA in this regard.”
Insisting that it was a case of misunderstanding caused by the language barrier, the Ministry said it has nonetheless told the official concerned to follow the protocol.