Rathore to skip Asian Games torch relay, IOA invites Goel

Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has expressed his inability to attend the Asian Games torch relay here on Sunday, prompting the Indian Olympic Association to extend an invitation to his predecessor Vijay Goel, who has accepted it.

An official of the Sports Ministry today informed the IOA that Rathore was "very keen to join but will not be able to attend the torch relay function this weekend as he will be required to visit Cochin in connection with some urgent work".

IOA president Narinder Batra, with whose body the ministry has been at loggerheads in recent times on various issues, replied: "This event happens once only in four years and is very important part of our Indian sports history. It is unfortunate the Hon'ble Sports Minister cannot come. We understand he must have got more important work to attend."
"Mr. Vijay Goel, former sports minister and present union minister, has very kindly agreed to be our chief guest at the torch relay function and official dinner."