India chef-de-mission blasts media

Even Ashok Mattoo, the Chef-de-Mission of the Indian contingent, was notvery clear about Rai’s non-arrival. “The federation (Amateur AthleticsFederation of India) says he will be coming later,” was all he could say.“Things are fine here and all our sportspersons are training well. We areprepared for any kind of dope tests,” he said.

In the absence of a clear official explanation by the Indian authoritieshere there were several theories floating, all pointing towards a doping allegation.

ENS adds from Delhi: Lalit Kumar Bhanot, secretary of the AAFI, brushed aside all specualations arising from Sydney and said that Rai was very much part of the Indian track and field squad and that he would be going to Sydney.

He said: “We didn’t want to send Rai without his coach. He will be going along with his coach and the rest of the athletic squad either on September 18 or 19.”

Bhanot said that only a few athletes who preferred to go early were sent beforehand. But for them, the rest of the athlletes are still training here with chief coach Bahadur Singh keeping an eye on their progress. “There is no point in sending them early because the athletic events begin only from September 22,” he added.

Leander Paes, the Indian contingent’s flag-bearer in tomorrow opening ceremony, said in Sydney that he had recovered from the wrist injury and things were looking better now.

Reacting to the latest entry of two Indian women players in the OlympicGames, Nirupama Vaidyanathan and Manisha Malhotra, Leander said: “It isvery good for Indian tennis.”

In a message from the US, her base, Nirupama said “I couldn’t believe when they told me to come down to Sydney for the Olympics. It’s a dream come true for me,” she said. Both Nirupama and Manisha are reaching Sydney on Friday morning.