Abhinav Bindra,Abhay Singh Chautala launch war of words on IOA row

Abhinav Bindra has been outspoken in his criticism of IOA officials.

Ace shooter Abhinav Bindra has refused to react to the personal attack launched against him by Indian Olympic Association President Abhey Singh Chautala,saying the remarks made by the suspended body8217;s chief do not deserve a rebuttal.

Taking a jibe at the Olympic gold-medallist8217;s father,A S Bindra,who was arrested in 2009 for alleged financial irregularities,Chautala had stated that if Bindra feels that chargesheeted people should be stripped of their positions then 8220;he should throw his father out of his house or leave his house himself8221;.

Chautala8217;s fury stemmed from the former world champion8217;s sustained campaign against tainted officials in the Indian Olympic Association. The star shooter,however,refused to react.

Hve nothing to say as it doesnamp;39;t deservea reaction.Nothing will deter me and fellow athletes in ourgoal to clean indiansport nd take it fwd

amp;mdash; Abhinav Bindra Abhinav_Bindra September 6,2013

8220;The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has observed with considerable disquiet,comments by individuals in the media casting aspersions on certain sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country in international sports events,8221; the Ministry said in a statement.

8220;The Ministry reiterates that it considers international sports awardees as national heroes and has zero tolerance to attacks against sportspersons. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports remains committed to furthering the cause of Indian sports persons and sports in India,8221; it added.

Bindra has been outspoken in his criticism of IOA officials in the wake of the India8217;s suspension from the IOC due to which the country8217;s athletes are being denied the opportunity to compete under the national flag.

8220;Ethics is one of the main reason from our suspension. Unless we get that right,we are not going to get back in. Why is that so difficult to understand?8221; Bindra has stated.

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Bindra also got the backing of tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi,who is also campaigning for the ouster of tainted officials from the IOA.

The 140 character limit on twitter doesnamp;39;t really help with all I want to say about the IOA attacking Abhinav_Bindra and his family but..

amp;mdash; Mahesh Bhupathi Maheshbhupathi September 6,2013

I promise you Abhinav_Bindra you have all the support you need and more. Are are and will always remain Indiaamp;39;s Golden boy!!

amp;mdash; Mahesh Bhupathi Maheshbhupathi September 6,2013

Chautala8217;s comment also drew sharp reaction from the National Rifles Association of India NRAI with its President Raninder Singh saying the IOA chief should focus on putting his own house in order.

8220;It8217;s like the big pot calling the small kettle black. People who live in glasshouses should not make such statements. Our Olympic medallist is being attacked with very

shallow words. I know the Bindra family well. He Bindra has every right to speak. As NRAI President,I strongly condemn this,8221; Raninder said.