IOC Backs Dow Over Indian Protest

Written by: Staff on 8th December 2011

IOC Backs Dow Over Indian Protest |

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reportedly rejected India’s protest and will back Dow Chemical’s sponsorship for the 2012 London Olympics, various new agencies have reported.

While India has not said that it will boycott the Olympics if Dow is allowed to stay a sponsor, it has become a hot button issue in the country.

Dow is the company which took over Union Carbide, which was responsible for the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy that killed over 18,000 people and disabled hundreds more.

Dow states that it never had a connection with the Bhopal disaster and that it will continue to assist IOC for a successful Olympics . Dow is footing the bill for a decorative wrap over London’s Olympic Stadium.

The Indian sports ministry told the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to convey its concerns to the IOC and in a letter it said: “Strong public sentiment exists in this matter and a number of eminent ex-Olympians have also raised concerns. It is not only the Indians who are protesting this sponsorship, there has been an outcry against this world over from various National Governing Organizations and other bodies – it is no longer a local issue.”

Last Friday, on the eve of the 27th anniversary of Bhopal, dozens of survivors burned effigies of a couple of Olympics organizers, including Britain’s Sebastian Coe, a former Olympic runner.

Protesters say the death toll is as high as 25,000 and that the effects of the leak continue to this day. Dow settled with the victims for around $470 million.

A number of British MPs have also protested against Dow’s association with the event.

India’s top women’s tennis player Sania Mirza, told reporters that she would follow the instructions given by the government in regards to the issue.

“As athletes we will go with what the country decides. Whoever is going to decide, I’m guessing it’s the government which decides or whoever, we are with the country. At least I am. We will support whatever decision the country takes.”

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