New Delhi, Nov 28:
Lamenting that archers Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat were forced to compete under the IOC flag, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju today urged the National Federations to not be involved in anything that leads to their suspension.
The Archery Association of India (AAI) was suspended due to administrative turmoil, forcing the country’s archers to compete under the IOC flag.
Deepika won a gold, while Ankita bagged a silver at Asian Championships, the Continental Qualification Tournament held in Bangkok.
“We don’t want out athletes to compete under neutral flag. The National Sports Federations must not do anything that leads to suspension,” Rijiju said.
“There should not be any factions. All the federations have to come together and we are willing to help all.”
The Minister spoke after handing over national awards to wrestler Bajrang Punia (Khel Ratna), shot putter Tejinder Pal Singh Toor (Arjuna), his coach M S Dhillon (Dronacharya) and runner Mohammed Anas Yahia (Arjuna) in a simple ceremony. (PTI)
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