Kalmadi`s presence would be encouraging: Athletics coach

New Delhi: Suresh Kalmadi`s planned trip to London Olympics might have triggered a furore but national athletics coach Bahadur Singh can`t understand what the fuss is all about as he feels the tainted administrator`s presence would "encourage" the athletes.

Kalmadi, an accused in the Commonwealth Games-related graft case, is out on bail after spending almost a year in Tihar Jail. Kalmadi, a member of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Council, got permission to go to the United Kingdom from July 26 to August 13. "Why would the athletes be discouraged by Kalmadi`s presence in London. Rather it would encourage them if he meets them," Singh told PTI. "He has been associated with Indian athletics for the last 15-20 years. He is well known in international athletics as he is an IAAF council member. "Besides, Kalmadi is not guilty till the court gives its verdict," he added. Earlier, Kalmadi`s planned London trip drew sharp reactions with Sports Minister Ajay Maken stating that he would try to ensure that the disgraced administrator is not a part of the Indian delegation. "It is unfortunate... As a sports minister I would just try to ensure that he will not be part of the Indian delegation. This I can ensure that Mr. Kalmadi won`t be part of Indian delegation," Maken has said. Apart from the minister, Clean Sports India, a movement for corruption-free sports, also denounced Kalmadi while IOA acting president V K Malhotra sought to steer clear of the controversy, saying he was not part of the delegation. PTI