Goel calls the organiser's charges as 'misunderstanding'
Union sports minister Vijay Goel clarified that all charges of misconduct against him and his escorts at the Rio Olympics were a "misunderstanding", striving to push back against the statements that have outraged sports fans. He said that he had taken all the necessary permissions for being at all venues. He said that his accreditation hadn't been revoked either.
Rio organisers warn Vijay Goel not to flout accreditation norms
Indian Sports Minister Vijay Goel's entourage has miffed the Rio Olympic organisers. Sarah Peterson- the Continental Manager for Rio 2016 Organising Committee, in a letter to Indian Chef-de-Mission Rakesh Gupta, said that the minister and his entourage had been trying to "enter accredited areas at venues with unaccredited individuals." The organisers further complained of Goel's entourage's "aggressive and rude" behaviour.
Goel not following Rio protocol
Goel has been blamed for shadowing the sports-persons and getting pictures clicked with them minutes after the matches. A photo of him with Vikas Krishan and Manoj Kumar, immediately after the two boxers won their bouts seemed to back the Rio organisers' accusations. However, Goel said he had remained in the visitor's gallery and the duo had come to him for pictures.
Goel on a selfie-spree
In the past four days, pictures of the minister with gymnast Dipa Karmakar, the hockey team too have surfaced further giving credit to the organiser's claims.
BJP leader Kirti Azad says Goel should 'exercise restraint'
Former cricketer and BJP MP Kirti Azad critiqued the sports minister Vijay Goel for flouting Rio Olympic norms. He said Goel should have "exercised restraint" in meeting Indian sports-persons competing in Rio Olympics 2016. Azad said: "At no point in time, no matter how big a sportsman or politician you are, you are not allowed to playing arena, dressing room or pavilion."
Twitterati slams Goel
After the news about the complaint against Goel broke out, the Twitterati was abuzz too. Many took to Twitter to reproach the minister. One wrote: "#VijayGoel has damaged image of India at international level by his rude and aggressive behaviour". Another tweet read: "Lol! and if he does it again they'll take away his accreditation so no more selfies for him #VijayGoel".
