Sportspersons bat for Malhotra ahead of assembly polls

New Delhi (PTI): With the campaign for November 29 assembly polls in its full swing, a host of sportspersons on Tuesday threw their weight behind V K Malhotra, insisting it was important to have the BJP leader as Chief Minister when Delhi hosts the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Hockey Olympian Ajit Pal Singh referred to the BJP leader’s long innings as a sports administrator and said his vast experience was imperative to the success of the 2010 Games.

“Since 1970, I would say he made equal contributions to both politics and sports. I believe Delhi is lagging in its preparation for the Commonwealth Games and we need him as the CM to catch up with it,” he said here.

Fellow hockey Olympian Nandy Singh said Malhotra has done a lot for sport, without politicising it.

“He brings in lot of sports in politics and little politics in sports. In 1974, he was instrumental behind the tour of the All Star Asia hockey team which played four matches in Pakistan and five in India,” Singh recalled.

BJP Member of Parliament and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) vice president Tarlochon Singh also felt Delhi was lagging in preparation for the 2010 Games and said the city needed the leadership of Malhotra to expedite things.

“Dr Malhotra has been around in the sports world for a long time and under him, we have made huge strides in archery. I think the same leadership is required if Delhi is to prepare in time for the 2010 Games,” he said.