Sports fraternity irked by IOC's decision to suspend IOA

While some former sportspersons were critical of the way IOA handled the whole issue, the current athletes bemoaned the fact that their Olympic participation for the country has been jeopardised.

"Bye bye IOA. Hope to see you soon, hope to see you clean," the 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra said in his reaction to the suspension.

Bindra's compatriot and London Olympics bronze medallist rifle shooter Gagan Narang termed the development "unfortunate".

"It's unfortunate but I am not too sure about the issue, haven't been following them of late," he said.

Beijing Games bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh agreed with Narang but hoped for an early settlement of the issue.

"I don't know what has gone wrong. It is an unfortunate development. Elections were to be held under the Sports Code which is similar to the IOC Charter. So, I don't know why the IOC took this step.

"I hope the matter is resolved early so that there is no long-term implication on athletes," th 29-year-old strapping pugilist said.

Five-time women's world champion boxer and another London Games bronze medallist M C Mary Kom was appalled by the development and said it the sportspersons who will have to bear the brunt.

"I am absolutely shocked by this news. I don't know how the matter was handled by the higher authorities. But it is the athletes who will suffer if the situation is not resolved quickly," she said.