Chautala's statement doesn't deserve reaction: Bindra

Delhi: Ace shooter Abhinav Bindra has refused to react to the personal attack launched against him by Indian Olympic Association President Abhey Singh Chautala, saying the remarks made by the suspended body's chief do not deserve a rebuttal.

Taking a jibe at the Olympic gold-medallist's father, A S Bindra, who was arrested in 2009 for alleged financial irregularities, Chautala had stated that if Bindra feels that chargesheeted people should be stripped of their positions then "he should throw his father out of his house or leave his house himself".

Chautala's fury stemmed from the former world champion's sustained campaign against tainted officials in the Indian Olympic Association. The star shooter, however, refused to react. "To the media wanting a reaction out of me on Mr. Chauthalas statements. Hve nothing to say as it doesn't deservea reaction. Nothing will deter me and fellow athletes in our goal to clean indian sport nd take it fwd," tweeted Bindra.

Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry also backed Bindra in a statement. "The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has observed with considerable disquiet, comments by individuals in the media casting aspersions on certain sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country in international sports events," the Ministry said in a statement.

"The Ministry reiterates that it considers international sports awardees as national heroes and has zero tolerance to attacks against sportspersons. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports remains committed to furthering the cause of Indian sportspersons and sports in India," it added.

Bindra has been outspoken in his criticism of IOA officials in the wake of the India's suspension from the IOC due to which the country's athletes are being denied the opportunity to compete under the national flag. "Ethics is one of the main reason from our suspension.

Unless we get that right, we are not going to get back in. Why is that so difficult to understand?" Bindra has stated. Chautala's comment also drew sharp reaction from the National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) with its President Raninder Singh saying the IOA chief should focus on putting his own house in order.

"It's like the big pot calling the small kettle black. People who live in glasshouses should not make such statements. Our Olympic medallist is being attacked with very shallow words. I know the Bindra family well. He (Bindra) has every right to speak. As NRAI President, I strongly condemn this," Raninder said.