Proud Day for Indian Athletes and NOC

(ATR) In a short but poignant ceremony in the Mountain Olympic Village, the small delegation from India paraded to the village plaza and the Indian flag was raised. The Olympic hymn and the Indian national anthem were played as India’s three athletes looked on proudly.

The International Olympic Committee lifted the suspension of the Indian Olympic Association on Feb. 11, and Sunday’s festivities were a symbolic gesture. As part of their suspension, Indians competed and marched as Independent Olympic Participants

Accompanying the athletes at the ceremony were one coach and the newly-elected President of the Indian Olympic Association, Narayna Ramachandran.

The Mayor of the Olympic village, Russian speed skating gold medalist Svetlana Khurova, welcomed the athletes to their new accommodations.

"We always knew the issue was going to be resolved," said five-time Olympic luger Shiva Keshavan. "We were hoping for it to be before the Opening Ceremony, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. As soon as the elections were held in India, the IOC acted really fast and the same day they reinstated the country."

"I was absolutely thrilled and delighted," Ramachandran said about receiving the news, just two days into his Presidency of the IOA.

"I am very grateful to the President of the IOC, Dr. Thomas Bach and the Executive Board for lifting the suspension of the Indian Olympic Association in just two days." Ramachandran said.

The IOA had been suspended in December 2012 due to its failure to comply with the Olympic Charter and its statutes, relating specifically to good governance.

The reinstatement marks the first time in history that a suspension of an NOC was lifted during an Olympic Games.

Prior to the IOC decision, Keshavan had already competed in luge as an independent athlete, placing 37th. Cross-country skier Iqbal Nadeem raced under India’s flag at the men’s 15km classic on Friday, finishing 85th.

"It was a bizarre turn of events - I turned out to be the only one to actually compete as an independent," Keshavan said. "I don’t know what to make of it, but this has also brought a lot of attention to winter sports in India and I think that is needed."

Keshavan said that he is optimistic about the future under Ramachandran’s leadership and for his fellow Indian athletes.

"Of course the flag is full of symbolism for us," Keshavan said. " Now we need see the real change – more facilities come to winter sports. They have the power to make a difference, they have a clean slate and I hope to see something good."

"We have 3,000 kilometers of the Himalayas in India and it’s a huge natural resource. We have so many people, so many youngsters, living in these areas that aspire to winter sports.

"I think their dreams and aspirations now rest on the shoulders of the new administration."

Written by Brian Pinelli

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