India are the reigning Asia Cup champions in both men’s and women’s cricket. But the teams are yet to receive either the trophies or their medals, owing to the insistence of ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, on presenting them, which is not acceptable to the Indian squads.Could a similar situation recur at the Asian Games? Both teams are firm favourites to win gold medals and there is a chance Naqvi will be at the prize distribution ceremony. It is Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) prerogative who they designate to present the medals. If they choose Naqvi, will India still refuse to accept the prize? And if they do, what would be the fallout?According to OCA regulations and top Indian Olympic Association (IOA) sources, if Naqvi is officially delegated the responsibility by OCA president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, Indian athletes will be expected to accept their medals. Refusal to do so will be regarded as disrespecting the Games, the OCA and its authorised representative, potentially inviting disciplinary action.TOI asked Indian cricket board (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia what BCCI’s stance would be at the medals ceremony if a repeat of the Asia Cup happens in Japan. Saikia’s response: “We are focusing solely on the matches. The teams have to first reach the podium. We will take a call then, taking into account all prevailing factors at that moment. We will cross the bridge only when we reach it. The focus of the board and players is only on winning the matches. We don’t want to comment on anything else that hasn’t happened yet.”What is the probability of Naqvi being asked to present the medals? Rule 66 of the OCA Manual and Guidelines governing the Asian Games, under the section ‘Victory and Medals Ceremony’ states: “Medals to the winners of the OCA Games shall be presented by the OCA president.The president may delegate this privilege to other members of the OCA, accompanied by the president of the international federation and/or Asian Federation concerned (or their deputy), if possible immediately after the event and where the competition took place. Competitors must take their places on the podium wearing their official sports uniforms.”Rule 66 also states: “No kind of demonstration or commercial, political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted during the victory ceremony of the Games. Any disrespect shown to the Games, medals, flags, mascot or certificates or any action of such kind will be subject to penalisation by the EB including disqualification, withdrawal of medals, certificates, accreditation, rankings and the like.”The OCA and Aichi-Nagoya organisers are coordinating with ACC regarding all cricketing matters. The preparation of Korogi Sports Park, the venue for the event, has also been overseen by ACC and Naqvi has been very much a part of the process. However, ICC chairman Jay Shah has played a key role in promoting cricket’s inclusion in Olympic sports.So, it will be interesting to see who OCA chooses to hand over the medals if he is also present at the venue. A top IOA source told TOI, “India can’t ask OCA not to nominate Naqvi. After all, it’s the Asian Games, not an ICC or bilateral tournament. Neither IOA nor BCCI can place such a request before OCA or ask it to choose or exclude a particular person. Such a request cannot be made to OCA pre-emptively. Decisions of this nature can only be taken by OCA after considering the situation as it arises.” Of course, it is entirely possible that Naqvi may not be asked to present the medals, but a little advance planning may not hurt.
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