Tennis players breach IOA’S apparel code
PALEMBANG: The Indian Olympic Association was in for major embarrassment on Wednesday as some tennis players were reportedly involved in a “serious issue of breach of contract for not following the Apparel Wearing Rules of the IOA”.
The IOA had signed Chinese manufacturer Li-ning as its sports apparel partner till 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But some tennis players were reportedly wearing shorts and accessories of other brands. The Chinese firm has apparently sent photos of Indian players wearing shorts of other brands to the IOA. Though it could not be independently confirmed, the shorts provided by IOA to tennis players have no side pockets and hence tucking the ball was not possible. That led to breach of contract.
A letter sent by IOA’S admin personnel George Mathew to all managers and officials of the Indian contingent read: “The forwarding message is received from Li-ning, the tennis players are not following the Apparel Wearing rules of IOA. It is a serious issue and breach of contract, which IOA signed with Li-ning. So please instruct the tennis team not to wear any other apparel other than provided by Li-ning. Please ensure the official kit is only worn during the matches and while in the games village (sic). The Indian kit sponsor has raised the issue with IOA, hence please see to it that the same is not repeated here after (sic). Team managers are requested to ensure compliance please.”
The mail sent to IOA by Li-ning read, “Please see tennis players are using other brands of shorts, wrist bands etc. We have provided enough quantity of all to everyone. They never complained about sizes and now we will not accept any reason from them. We could have got it rectified and we have supplied them as per their request. Please inform them it’s a serious matter. In case they use anything which was not asked for and they have to use (sic). They have cover (ed) the logos. Like wiper used by woman player. Please check and inform urgently.”