BCCI, IOA ready to cut ties with Chinese sponsors

New Delhi, June 19: Following the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh, the demand to boycott the Chinese products is growing rapidly. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are also ready to boycott Chinese products and sponsors and will rule out the termination of contracts if the situation goes out of control.

 

 

The tensions along the LAC is increasing after the Chinese troops attacked the Indian soldiers with nail-studded iron rods in which 20 Indian soldiers were martyred.

 

Highlighting that the IOA is 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 to a private media.

 

Earlier, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal also spoke that the IPL governing body will cut ties with Chinese firms if the government directs them to ban the products and cut the sponsorship as the national interest comes first.

 

"For any future contract, we will keep public sentiment and national interest in mind. BCCI gives full commitment to look into boycotting Chinese products and endorsements in the future in the best of the nation. BCCI has given all infrastructure to Indian companies and not Chinese companies," Dhumal was quoted as saying. However, Dhumal said the BCCI will have to deal with the existing contracts but if the situation arises they will not hesitate to discontinue.

 

"There are no two ways about it, in case the government decides to ban Chinese products and companies, we (BCCI) will be happy to follow that. "As an Indian, I’m all for it to teach them (China) a lesson and hit them at places where it hurts them very badly. Be it economic or not buying their products…". he added.