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CWG: Two Indian officials arrested for assault in Glasgow
In a massive embarrassment for India, two senior officials of the India commonwealth Games contingent were arrested by the police in Glasgow on Saturday.
IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta and an unattached wrestling referee, Virender Malik, were arrested on different charges.
While Mehta has been arrested for drunken driving, Malik, who is not a part of the official contingent is facing a more serious charge of sexual assault.
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman confirmed the arrests but refused to divulge anything more.
"On the August 2, a 49-year-old man was arrested following reports of an alleged assault at City Centre of Glasgow. On August 2, a 45-year-old man was arrested following reports of an alleged assault in the west of Glasgow," said the spokeswoman.
The two will be produced in court on Monday.
The duo was, however, not staying with the official 215-strong contingent which is putting up at the Games village. Both of them were reportedly lodged at a local hotel.
Asked if Malik had been arrested for alleged sexual assault, the spokeswoman said, "I cannot confirm anything right now. We are aware of the matter. It is a matter of Scotland Police and any question related to this issue should be addressed to them," said Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper.
The Indian Consulate in Edinburgh said it is liaising with the police on the matter.
"We have learnt about the detention of two members of the Commonwealth contingent by the local (Glasgow) police. Our Consulate in Edinburgh has deputed an official to Glasgow to keep in close touch with the police authorities to ascertain full factual details of the case," a spokesman said.
"We are also in touch with the team," he added.
According to unconfirmed reports, Mehta was allegedly caught drink-driving and told the police to not release details of his arrest even to his family, which is travelling with him.
Depending on how over-the-legal alcohol limit he was, Mehta could face anything from a hefty fine or a driving ban to a jail term.
- Medals tally: 2014 Commonwealth Games
- Complete coverage of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games
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Seema Punia named India's flag-bearer for closing ceremony
Woman discus thrower Seema Punia will be the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent during the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Punia had on Friday won a silver medal in the women's discus throw competition.
All the members Indian contingent who will take part in the ceremony at Hampden Park will wear track suits, Chef de Mission Raj Singh said.
Medals tally: 2014 Commonwealth Games
Complete coverage of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games
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TN govt awards Rs.50 lakh each to Pallikal-Chinappa
Lauding the performance of Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa, who won the squash doubles gold at the Commonwealth Games, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa announced a cash award of Rs.50 lakh each to the winners on Sunday.
In separate identical congratulatory letters to Pallikal and Chinappa, Jayalalithaa said she was delighted to learn of one more triumph in their sporting career, a gold medal in the squash women's doubles event.
"I understand this is the first time that India has won a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal in squash. Yet again, you have done both the nation and Tamil Nadu proud. Kindly accept my heartiest congratulations on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu on your splendid achievement."
Recalling the enhancement of cash award for sportspersons winning a Commonwealth gold medal to Rs. 50 lakh by her in 2011, she told the winners that each of them will be receiving it.
"I congratulate you and all those who have contributed to your success and wish you many more such laurels on behalf of the country and Tamil Nadu in future."
DMK President M Karunanidhi also congratulated the duo.
- Medals tally: 2014 Commonwealth Games
- Complete coverage of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games
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Bolt could run until 2017 worlds
Six-times Olympic champion Usain Bolt has repeated his intention to continue competing until the world championships in 2017 after winning relay gold at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday.
The world’s fastest man had planned to retire after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games but has reiterated comments made in September that he could delay those plans for another year.
“I’ve always said that after Rio I wanted to retire but they keep saying I should go on till 2017, so I think I might just do that and that will be my last championships,” Bolt said.
He was speaking to reporters after anchoring Jamaica to gold in the 4x100 metres relay, his first Commonwealth Games medal.
“This training thing is not so easy so I‘m just so happy I’ve been able to do what I wanted in this sport,” he added.
The 27-year-old Bolt is an eight-time world champion and holds the 100 and 200 metres world records.
He believes the worlds in London, where he won treble gold at the 2012 Olympics, in three years' time could be the place to retire and has consulted a former Olympic champion and current 400 metres world record holder about his plans.
“I asked Michael Johnson why he retired when he was on top and he told me there was nothing else for him to accomplish," said Bolt. “I think when you’ve accomplished everything you want then you should just retire,” added the Jamaican.