It's a disgrace that Indians will walk under International Olympic Committee flag

It's a disgrace that Indians will walk under International Olympic Committee flag India's competitors at the Sochi Olympics will walk under the International Olympic Committee flag on Friday night, a reflection of India's sad state of affairs at the Olympic level. With the Indian Olympic Association unable to return to the Olympic fold, Shiva Keshavan, Nadeem Iqbal and Himanshu Thakur will not have the tricolor in their hands when they participate in the opening ceremony. (Read: Who said what on India's Sochi 'disgrace') "It's a disgrace. They are not bothered who is taking part or not," said former sprinter Ashwini Nachappa. Interestingly, the IOA is holding its elections on February 9 in a bid to return to the Olympic fold. India were suspended from the IOC in December 2012 for electing tainted officials. (Read: No national flag no problem for Shiva Keshavan) Nachappa said: "We had asked the IOA to advance the elections, but nobody heard us. They are very arrogant people. But we should still be proud of our athletes." (Read: Winter Olympics much more than just fun and games) IOA vice president Tarlochan Singh told NDTV on Friday afternoon that holding elections does not mean polo ralph lauren outlet India will be "automatically" be back in the Olympic Family. "After the elections are held, the IOA will take at least a month to investigate everything. We are following IOC rules and IOA can't be faulted. A lot of people are talking without knowing the facts." (Read: Five things to know about the Sochi Games) Singh added: "We were aware of the timing of the Sochi Games. It's not that IOA don't care about the athletes, but we have a democratic process and can't rush elections. Media must know the facts before polo shirts ralph lauren slamming IOA." (Read: Russia plans glitzy opening ceremony) Shooter Mansher Singh said: "There should have been a way out. The elections could have been held before. No excuse for that. The fact remains that when you see your flag in the opening ceremony, you feel like a warrior for your country. It gives you a big motivation. You get a feeling of history. It's a great feeling and you kind of swear in your chest." "That lack of identity will hurt our athletes because the crowd will not be able to identify them in the opening ceremony", added Mansher. The IOC wants India to elect clean officials to run Olympic sport in India. "Charge framed" officials like Lalit Bhanot and Abhey Singh Chautala will not be contesting the elections this time. Bhanot faced jail http://www.menspoloralphlaurenoutlet.com/ for charges of corruption in the 2010 Commonwealth Games mens polo shirts in Delhi. While the USA will walk out wearing uniform designed by Ralph Lauren, Keshavan, Iqbal and Thakur have organised their own opening ceremony uniforms from the available resources in their closest proximity. To honour the nation in the best possible way he can, Shiva will be wearing a subtle combination of traditional meets modern. A unique woven ski jacket styled from Himalayan wool and a woollen cap with hand woven patterns typical of the Manali Valley has been prepared for Shiva. The image pays a subtle tribute to the high Himalayan mountain shepherds symbolising the preservation of cultural roots. This is paired with black warm pants and a rust orange muffler to form the ceremonial dress of the now five time Olympian and two time Asian Champion. The Jacket has the five Olympic rings in the back, and has been crafted close to La Plagne in France by Jonathan and Fletcher, specialists in textile development, who have also manufactured Shiva's Olympic race suit. "We are proud to be marching under the IOC Flag. It represents the highest levels of ethics, FairPlay and sportsmanship. I would like to thank IOC for this opportunity," USA is geared up to walk in uniforms designed for the 230 member team by Ralph Lauren, Italy walks with Emporio Armani and Team Great Britain with Adidas. Germany have opted for a colourful skiing outfit designed by Bogner, Adidas and Sioux, while Sweden has chosen their successful high street label, H to create a patriotic outfit with their national flag colours (blue and yellow). Mexico is represented by sole skier Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe, arguably the most colourful personality at the Games, who has been hitting the slopes in a Mariarchi printed outfit.