New Delhi: British high commissioner to India, James Bevan today assured full security for the Indian contingent taking part in the London Olympics saying that they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Indian sportsperson for the games.
The assurance was conveyed to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Acting President Vijay Kumar Malhotra by British High Commissioner in India James Bevan who called on him this morning said an official release by the IOA.
Bevan recalled age old ties between India and Britain and said that there is a great deal of excitement among the huge Indian Diaspora in the United Kingdom about Indian participation in the Games.
“On behalf of British Government I assure you that Indian contingent will get all the facilities it is entitled and I also promise that you will enjoy the Games which we think will be the best ever held. The maximum participation by India in the Games will further consolidate the friendly relations, he said.
He further informed that “everything is in place for hosting the best ever Olympic Games. The Infrastructure is ready. London is just eagerly waiting for the start of the Games.
Bevan also said that British High Commission in Delhi will provide all logistic support to facilitate hassle free visa and other travel documents for the Indian Contingent.
The IOA Acting President told the High Commissioner that India is likely to send a contingent of around 100 sportspersons, coaches and managers. The final figure will be known only at the end of June when all the qualifying tournaments will be over.
Saying that there is a huge demand for Olympic Games tickets in India but LOCOG has given a very small number of tickets to the IOA, Prof. Malhotra asked Mr. Bevan to use his good office to get more tickets released from the organizers for the Indians who want to witness the Games.
Malhotra also introduced Chef De Mission for London Games Ajitpal Singh to the High Commissioner saying “the ace hockey player has the distinction of being the first sportsperson to lead the Indian Contingent in the Olympics”.
Malhotra said IOA was hopeful of winning more medals in London. ”Last time in Beijing we won three medals but this time the tally is likely to go up considerably”.
The High Commissioner said he will be cheering for India in the Games but added a rider”only if they are not playing or pitted against the British team or sportsperson”.
He congratulated Ajitpal Singh for being appointed as Chef De Mission and hoped that Indian hockey team will do well in Olympics this time.
The High Commissioner extended a dinner invitation for the London bound contingent”I will be delighted to host dinner for the Indian sportsperson and officials bound for Olympics”.
Meanwhile MAlhotra again urged the British Government and LOCOG to terminate Dow Chemical’s sponsorship of the London Olympic Games.
Mr. Bevan said that he will arrange a meeting(s) between Prof. Malhotra and the British Ministers so that he can further elaborate on IOA’s stand on the issue of Dow Chemical’s Sponsorship.
By Indian Sports News Network
