We are with the country: IOA open to cutting ties with Chinese sponsors in wake of Galwan face-off

New Delhi, June 18: In the wake of the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh there is a growing demand to boycott Chinese products. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has now claimed that it is open to boycotting Chinese products and sponsors.

Anti-China sentiments are running high in the country after the first skirmish at the India-China border in more than four decades left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead.

Insisting that they are "with the country", IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta said the Olympic body is mulling boycotting Chinese sponsors like 'Li Ning' with whom they have sponsorships deal till the Tokyo Olympics.

"We have an agreement with Li Ning till Tokyo Olympics as a kitting partner. But the country comes first and IOA is no different on this. If the members feel so the General House can take the decision (to snap ties)," Mehta told PTI. "IOA is with the country."

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Bhaichung Bhutia and other athletes pay tribute to fallen Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley

IOA treasurer Anandeshwar Pandey too opined with Mehta on the issue of snapping ties with Chinese sponsors. "According to me the IOA should end this association (with Li Ning) in line with the sentiments prevailing in the country," he said.

The IOA General house consists of presidents and secretaries of the national sports federations (NSFs) besides chiefs and secretaries of state Olympic associations. The IOA had signed a deal with Li-Ning in May 2018 and as per the agreement, the Chinese company would be supplying Indian athletes' kits worth an estimated Rs 5 to 6 crore.

Earlier in the day, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal claimed the IPL governing body will not consider taking Chinese firms on board in future as national interest comes ahead of everything else.

"For any future contract, we will keep public sentiment and national interest in mind. BCCI gives full commitment to look into boycotting Chinese product and endorsements in future in the best of the nation. BCCI has given all infrastructure to Indian companies and not Chinese companies," Dhumal told Republic TV. However, Dhumal said the BCCI will have to honour the existing deals with its sponsors.