Sad day for Indian sports: Olympians

"It is a sad day for Indian sports and the decision of the IOC will certainly would have a huge impact on our athletes performances," said Charles Borromeo, a member of the Indian contingent of 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Borromeo, who won the gold medal in the 800 metres in the 1982 Asian Games, said IOA officials failed to handle the situation properly.

"We should have complied with the Olympic Charter set by the world body," Borromeo observed.

"The decision is going to affect the athletes as their performances in international events may not be recognised," the Arjuna and Padmashree awardee told PTI.

Reacting to the IOC's decision, Harbhajan Singh, who represented India in basketball in 1980 Moscow Olympics, said it is really unfortunate that one of the oldest member of the IOC has been suspended by the world body.

"IOC should have discussed the issue with the IOA before taking such a decision, which no doubt is a huge setback for Indian sports," said Singh, who is the secretary of Jharkhand Basketball Association.

"Indian sports have improved a lot at the international arena. We have started winning medals during the last three editions of the Olympics," he added.