Hall of shame: Two Indians expelled for breaching code
GOLD COAST: While the shooters, boxers, shuttlers and wrestlers were bringing glory for India, two athletes put the country to shame on Friday. Race walker KT Irfan and triple jumper Rakesh Babu were expelled from the Games for breaching the Commonwealth Games Federation’s no-needle policy.
Needles were found in the duo’s accommodation in the Commonwealth Games Village and both were thrown out with their accreditation suspended.
India had earlier been pulled up for breaching the no-needle policy and the second offence meant that the CGF has issued another reprimand to the Indian contingent, pulling up chef de mission Vikram Sisodia and other officials for failing to ensure that the participants follow the no-needle policy.
“Rakesh Babu and Irfan Kolothum Thodi are with immediate effect not permitted to participate in the Games. The accreditation of Rakesh Babu and Irfan Kolothum Thodi was suspended with effect from 09:00 hours on April 13, 2018. Both athletes were removed from the Games Village,” the CGF said in a statement. It asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to send them back on the “first available flight”.
Initially, the Indian officials took objection to some of the conclusions drawn by the CGF and decided to appeal. But then they backed out. “Despite repeated messages on compliance of the CGF’s no needle policy, the athletes here failed to understand this and now are being sent back home,” said IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta.
IOA said action will be taken against the two athletes under its medical and disciplinary commission rules. The Athletics Federation of India officials said strict action will be taken against Babu and Irfan.