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No flag is no problem for India

India’s top competitor at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi says not being able to compete under the national flag because of a political dispute will not harm his performance

The Jakarta Post
New Delhi
Thu, January 30, 2014

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No flag is no problem for India

I

ndia'€™s top competitor at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi says not being ableto compete under the national flag because of a political dispute will not harmhis performance.

'€œIn my heart and mind I'€™m competing for India,'€ luge competitor Shiva Keshavan told The Associated Press in an email interview. '€œEvery day I'€™m flooded with messages from Indians all over the world telling me they are supporting me. This is enough to push me forward.'€

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was banned in December 2012 for not adhering to its own constitution and for electing tainted officials.

Though the IOA has redrafted its constitution as directed, the ban can be lifted only after post-Sochi elections, so the Indian flag will not be used at the Feb. 7-23 games.

'€œI'€™ve never been motivated by external fame or attention. I love my sport which is why I have been doing it for 17 years. If I do well, people will notice. My focus is my sport,'€ said the 32-year-old Keshavan, who is competing in his fifth Winter Olympics

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