Olympian Shame For India As IOC Suspends IOA!

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday suspended the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for its repeated failure to abide by the constitution and rules set by the apex body. This is the biggest shame and embarrassment possible for the largest and most populated democracy of the world. And ironically this comes just after India’s best ever haul of medals in London Olympics 2012. The decision renders India disqualified to participate in any major international sports events and of course in the Olympics. India now have the unique distinction of sharing the shame with Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. 

Such was the rampant lobbying, corruption and colossal disregard to both national and international decorum in the sports bodies of India in general over the years that this huge embarrassment was in fact anticipated by many. Politics, personal ambitions and corruption have been the distinctive features of the Indian sports bodies, particularly the IOA. Even after the scam of the Commonwealth Games 2012 Delhithe tainted IOA officials did not feel shamed, few of them served jail terms too. But they went about their ‘sports’ business blatantly and shamelessly.  

Suresh Kalmadi, the then IOA president, who spent nearly a year in a Delhi jail acted as nothing had happened and got appointed as president again coming straight out of jail. He was trying for reelection again this year, but other tainted people finally beat him to it in an election decided by the IOA unilaterally and supposedly adhering to a sports code imposed by the Government. It is pity that the Government of India and the Sports Minister never succeed in putting its foot down on such authorities ‘autonomously enabled to loot’. In this shameful hour Indian citizens expect ruthless measures from the Government to end the malaise once and for all.

Olympic medalists and sportsmen all over the country expressed shock and unanimously held the corrupt officials and their personal profit driven strategy responsible for the shame. Many of them also feared that their sports careers with the Indian tag are as good as over. However, all of them and other citizens too looked upon this shame as motive enough to set things right and end the corruption. We too endorse this and want all sports bodies to be totally revamped so that Indian sportsmen come out of their clutch and show the world what they always have been capable of achieving. 

Mahabaleshwar: The City And Temples!

Every second building in Mahabaleshwar is a hotel, well almost, and the entire population at a point of time consists of only tourists barring the local shopkeepers, tour agencies, tourist bus and car drivers and of course hotel owners and staff. 

The city is crisscrossed with hilly and narrow roads and lanes—in the market area these are mostly clogged as it is very difficult almost in every road for two vehicles to cross and near empty and serene in the quieter areas. Apart from the tourist cars you find geared up horses too for taking  joy rides. 

After a hectic day of sight seeing the tourists throng to the colorful market in the evenings. The local products that particularly attract them are strawberry delicacies, honey and wooden articles of immense artistry. Foreign tourists are not seen as frequently as compared to other Indian tourist destinations. Lack of a direct flight here could be a possible reason. But thanks to the new highway it takes only five hours from Mumbai in buses or cars and the ride is really exhilarating. 

Mahabaleshwar Temple

There are also temples for the religiously inclined. As we will see later Mahabaleshwar has a rich history of strategic rulers, battles and monuments apart from the tremendous natural beauty that we have already tasted and will do so continuously in this series. The main temple is also called Mahabaleshwar where tourists go for an offering to Lord Shiva. There are several other templesworth a visit in and around Mahabaleshwar. 

Panch Ganga Temple (Click for more info)

  The  city resonates with activities and positive vibes all around all the time. Enjoy your trip! (More To Follow!)

Mahabaleshwar: Natural Beauty!

Mahabaleshwar is a famous hill station in the Satara district of Maharashtra with an altitude of nearly 4500 feet above sea level. Located in the Western Ghat mountain range Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau surrounded by valleys on all sides enriched with dense lush green forestry. The cool environs, the quiet, and breathtaking views from different points of elevation makes this city an instant hit for tourists of all kinds and from various corners of India and the world.