Star athletes demand non-interference of politicians in sports, Kalmadi's ouster

Mangalore, February 21: Three renowned athletes of Karnataka, who have represented India in the international arena in the field of sports on Monday demanded a powerful 'sport law' to give a new life to sports in the country.

Addressing media persons here on Monday, athletes Reeth Abraham, Vandana Rao, and former Olympic sprinter Vandana Shanbhag expressed their frustration over the interference of political conspirators in the field of sports.

They pointed out that outside interference is one of the main reasons for India lagging behind in the field of sports.

Cleans Sports India!

Introducing 'Clean Sports India', a movement launched by former national and international sportspersons of India on June 23, 2010, in a bid to bring freedom to the field of sports from the clutches of political conspirators, the trio laid emphasis on the need of a collective struggle of athletes and sportspersons to stop the outside interference.

Explaining the objectives of CSI, Reeth Abraham, who is also its Joint Convenor, said: “We want to create an environment wherein Olympic Sports Federations, Associations and Clubs in India are managed essentially by former sportspersons and where Olympic Sports in India are practiced and competed without any influence of drugs.”

She informed that CSI has initiated activities such as awareness runs, discussions, seminars to educate people and to create public opinion against mismanagement of sports by non-sport persons.

She also urged former sportsmen, sports lovers and responsible citizens to participate in the movement and make it success by becoming registered members of CSI to challenge the existing order.

Kalmadi must quit

Lashing out at Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi for his “adamant and shameful behaviour” Vandana Rao, who is the treasurer of CSI, said that he seems to be taking no moral responsibility and continues to rule Indian sports.

Demanding Kalmadi's ouster, she said that Indian sports cannot improve unless Kalmadi quits the prestigious post.

She said that CSI strongly condemns the statement made recently by Kalmadi that sports in India can only be managed by politicians. “It is time for a civil movement to emerge strongly against these corrupt unaccountable officials who have used sports as a vehicle to gain political power”, she added.