The Indian sports fraternity today heaved a sigh of relief on the country's return to the Olympic fold but said the IOA should learn a lesson from the 14 months of suspension so that the embarrassing episode is never repeated.
The International Olympic Committee today lifted the ban imposed on India in December 2012 after the IOA held elections on Sunday in compliance with the IOC directives.
The Indian athletes had to compete under the banner of international federations or the IOC during the 14-month period of suspension. Three Indians walked under the IOC flag during the Sochi Winter Olympics opening ceremony on February 7.
Sports Minister Jitendra Singh said in the last 14 months of exile "a major step has been taken to clean up Indian sports".
"In the last one year or so the sportspersons, sports lovers have raised their concerns and their voices. The Government of India had raised its voice in Lausanne (in May last year) and at other forums for lifting ban on India," he said.
Hockey Olympian Aslam Sher Khan, who is also president of Olympians Association of India, said the new office-bearers of the IOA should work to usher in a new era in Indian sports.
"The new office-bearers of the IOA should learn a lesson from the suspension. They should usher in a new era in India sports by working for the welfare of the athletes," he said.
"I hope the IOA is not just a body to send Indian athletes for international events. It should involve itself in the overall development of Indian sports," he added.
The 2008 and 2012 Olympics medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar said he was happy that the three Indian athletes will now be able to walk under the tri-colour during the closing ceremony of the Sochi Winter Games on February 23.
"It's a great day for all the athletes who put their blood, sweat and tears to represent the country under the Indian tri-colour and win medals. It's time for everyone to get ready for Commonwealth and Asian Games because now we can participate under the tri-colour and not as independent athletes under the IOC flag," Sushil said.
