Keshavan blasts Indian officials
Monday, 13 February 2006 12:12Luge athlete Shiva Keshavan has blasted Indian officials after a blazing row which prompted his withdrawal from the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Keshavan, India's lone Winter Olympian at the past two editions, had been due to carry his country's flag on Saturday but pulled out in protest after accusing the officials of piggy-backing on his success.
He said: "I pulled out of the opening ceremony because it was my way of protesting. There were some officials who turned up at the Olympic village that I've never seen in six years claiming to be the representatives of the Indian Luge Association."
He added: "This organisation has always been a non-functioning organisation. They have even told me to go and represent another country and that it would be easier for me because they couldn't offer me any funding or take responsibility for any mishaps."
24-year-old Keshavan credited his warm reception from Italian fans for calming him down after the row, which he blamed for a rocky start before recovering to finish 25th.
Keshavan, who competes on an ancient sledge and had to pay for his own speedsuit, had been India's sole Winter Olympian since the age of 16 until he was joined by three team-mates this year.
