Indian NOC Continues Leadership Discussion
The Indian Olympic Association executive board will discuss the IOC’s request for more information about Suresh Kalmadi, former IOA president.
On Monday, the IOC told Around the Rings its Ethics Commission "asking for a full and official report on the exact current situation of Mr Kalmadi before the courts of justice."
Kalmadi was jailed over financial irregularities relating to the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games of which he was in charge.
Indian sports minister Ajay Maken said Tuesday his ministry would not get "too intrusive" in the IOA’s affairs but did say Kalmadi needs to go.
"Until Mr Kalmadi is cleared of all charges, he should not be back as the IOA chief," he was quoted by the Press Tribune of India.
VK Malhotra is interim president, and Kalmadi has reportedly backed away from day-to-day affairs with the IOA.
"We have to keep a close watch," Maken added. "That defeats the purpose of sporting spirit. The IOA should never be headed by someone tainted."
A new fight has also reportedly emerged, with Malhotra and members of the IOA sparring over who knew what and when about Kalmadi’s case last year.
Kalmadi was released from jail on bond last week.
Ethiopians Banned, Welcomed Back
Reigning double Olympic champion distance runner Kenenisa Bekele is eligible again.
Reuters reports that the Ethiopian Athletics Federation has lifted its ban imposed last week upon Bekele and 34 other no-shows for a training camp two months ago.
"They apologized and explained that they missed the gathering due to injury or engagements elsewhere in the world," federation spokesman Fikru Takele was quoted Tuesday by the news agency.
"They have pledged to respect the body's directives from now on."
Reigning women’s Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champ Tirunesh Dibaba was also among the athletes who didn’t come calling when summoned to begin preparing for major championships this year, including London 2012.
Cuban Football Players Missing
A pair of Cuban players are missing from the ongoing CONCACAF women's Olympic qualifying tournament in Vancouver, possibly becoming the latest Cubans to defect.
Yezenia Gallardo, 20, played every minute of the first two matches at forward, and midfielder Yisel Rodriguez, 22, started both as well. Neither appeared in Cuba’s final fixture of the tournament, a 3-0 loss Monday night to Haiti.
Cuban coaches, players and officials made a beeline for the team bus afterwards and declined to answer questions through a CONCACAF spokesman, according to an Associated Press report.
Defections at sporting events held on North American soil are common for Cuban teams. Often athletes defect for the chance to turn professional –sport in communist Cuba remains an amateur affair.
Spice Girls to Perform at London 2012?
The British pop sensation Spice Girls may take the stage at the London Olympics.
According to U.S. media reports,band member Melanie Brown – or "Scary Spice" – is pushing for the women to perform, but Victoria Beckham ("Posh Spice") is holding out.
"She has so much going on ... and she isn't agreeing to it - yet!" a Spice Girls "insider" told gossip publication RadarOnline.com
After global success, the five member group took a hiatus in 2000 and then returned in 2007 for a reunion tour.
Korea Congratulates Nigerian Taekwondo Athletes
Following the qualification of two Nigerians for the London 2012 taekwondo tournament, South Korea’s ambassador to Nigeria sent his congratulations to the Nigerian Olympic Committee.
"I am delighted with the news of the qualification of Mr. Chika Chukwumerije and Mr. Isah Adam for the 2012 London Olympics in Taekwondo," Jong Hyun Choi was quoted in a report on AllAfrica.com.
"I am also pleased to note that their training in Korea earlier this year helped the athletes to hone their skills and strengthened their mental preparedness."
His interest in their activities shouldn’t come as a surprise. Taekwondo is Korea’s national sport and is closely linked with the country’s culture.
Media Watch
The BBC explains how Dow Chemical, the most controversial sponsor of the Olympics, will make money off the 2012 Games.
The New York Times Magazine cover story is a profile of Oscar Pistorious and his Olympic quest.
Written by Ed Hula III.
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