Britain assure full security for Indian contingent

British High Commissioner in India, James Bevan called on IOA acting president V K Malhotra and assured full security for the Indian contingent which will take part in the London Olympics.

"We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Indian sportspersons for the Games which are going to be the best ever Olympics," Bevan said.

Bevan recalled the age old ties between India and Britain and said that there is a great deal of excitement among the huge Indian Diaspora in the United Kingdom about India's participation in the Games.

"On behalf of British Government I assure you that Indian contingent well get all the facilities it is entitled and I also promise that you will enjoy the Games which we think will be the best ever held. The maximum participation by India in the Games will further consolidate the friendly relations."

He said that "every thing is in place for hosting the best ever Olympic Games. The Infra structure is ready. London is just eagerly waiting for the start of the Games."

Bevan also said that British High Commission in Delhi will provide all logistic support to facilitate hassle free visa and other travel documents for the Indian Contingent.

Malhotra told the High Commissioner that India is likely to send a contingent of around 100 sportspersons, coaches and managers. The final figure will be known only at the end of June when all the qualifying tournaments will be over.

Malhotra also asked Bevan to use his office to get more Olympic Games tickets for the Indians who want to witness the Games as there is a Malhotra also introduced India's Chef De Mission for London Games, Ajitpal Singh to Bevan said: "The ace hockey player has the distinction of being the first sportsperson to lead the Indian Contingent in the Olympics".

Malhotra said IOA was hopeful of winning more medals in London.

"Last time in Beijing we won three medals but this time  the tally is likely to go up considerably," he said.

The High Commissioner said he will be cheering for India in the Games but added a rider "only if they are not playing or pitted against the British team or sportsperson".

He congratulated Ajitpal Singh for being appointed as Chef De Mission and hoped that Indian hockey team will do well in Olympics this time.

The High Commissioner also extended a dinner invitation to the London bound contingent.

"I will be delighted to host dinner for the Indian sportspersons and officials bound for Olympics," he said.

Malhotra once again urged the British Government and LOCOG to terminate Dow Chemical's sponsorship of the London Olympic Games.

Bevan said he will arrange meetings between Malhotra and the British Ministers so that he can further elaborate on IOA's stand on the issue of Dow Chemical's Sponsorship.

Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images