– Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) 11 August 2016There seems to be some misunderstanding as we have followed all protocols as advised by the organizers.
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To my knowledge, we have been following all rules & regulations.
Sports minister Vijay Goel has landed in a controversy after Rio Olympics organisers threatened to cancel his accreditation if people accompanying him did not end their “aggressive and rude” behaviour.
The letter said the OC had received “multiple reports” of Goel “trying to enter accredited areas at venues with unaccredited individuals” and responding with “aggressive and rude” behaviour when confronted. “We are committed to the spirit of Olympics & back our Indian players”, he tweeted.
Goel, who took charge last month, is in Rio to cheer for Indian contingent and to ensure that their requirements are met. “We trust you will pass on this message urgently”, she wrote. Mr Bajwa wanted to raise the issue as a “point of order”, but deputy chairperson P.J. Kurien said “that is an allegation and not a point of order”.
According to the reports that on Saturday, Vijay Goel was all set to leave Brazil for India.
Later, in a statement, Mr. Gupta said, “At the completion of the India-Japan game when India did well, the Minister was invited by the team to interact with the players”.
When asked about trying to forcibly enter the hockey arena, Goel said: “The volunteers had taken him to the field of play because otherwise how is he allowed to go?” The letter written to Chef-de-Mission (Rakesh Gupta) states that they have some issue from our staff members, regarding misbehaviour or access.
“However, the moment it was brought to his notice, he left the field and met the players outside”, he said.
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“Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has now been informed by Director General, Sports Authority of India camp Rio that the misunderstanding between an Indian Official and official of Rio Organizing Committee arose due to language barrier and a very strict security protocol being followed at Rio Olympics which involves frisking and thorough search”, the release said. However, if there is any truth to this, it would be a shame that while our dedicated sportspersons try to battle it out and make India proud, those behind the scenes are making headlines for the wrong reasons.
