Indian Sports Minister Ready To Talk To IOC After Indian Olympic Association Suspension

India Sports Minister Jitendra Singh is ready to talk to the IOC "with an open mind" on the issue of suspension of the Indian Olympic Association, according to Mahendra Kumar Singh of the TIMES OF INDIA. The IOC has invited the minister for a discussion on the "contentious issue which is seen as a positive move towards India's return to the Olympic fold." Singh: "I am open to talks with IOC." The Indian government and the IOC "are at loggerheads" after the IOC banned India for recognizing the IOA election results. The elections were held on the directions of a High Court order but the move has been labelled as "government interference" by the world body. Singh also said that "he is determined to bring back wrestling among the core sports disciplines in the Olympic Games" (TIMES OF INDIA, 3/13).