No international events till India guarantee Kosovo participation: IOC

NEWDELHI: Taking a strong stance over Kosovo boxer Donjeta Sadiku not being granted visa by the Indian government for the World Championships, the International Olympic Committee has sent a letter to international federations saying until the issue is addressed “India is not in a position to host international sporting events” that has participation from the East European country.

“The latest incident occurred in India, where the sporting delegation and athletes from Kosovo were not allowed to come and participate in a world championship. This shows that, until this matter is resolved by Indian authorities, India is not in a position to host international sporting events in which a sporting delegation from Kosovo is due to take part.

“IOC recommends that before allocating sports events to a country, all international organisations concerned make sure that guarantees are obtained from the organiser to ensure equal treatment for participating athletes,” IOC Dy Director General Pere Miro wrote. India doesn’t recognise Kosovo, a disputed territory in South Eastern Europe.

PETROVA IN TROUBLE

A day after International Boxing Association suspended the accreditation of Bulgarian coach Petar Yosifov Lesov, the world body has cancelled the accreditation of 57 kg boxer Stanimira Petrova. Stanimira, after losing her pre-qf bout against Sonia Chahal, had accused the judges of corruption.