almadi defends himself on Vijender no show defends himself on Vijender no show

Beijing, Aug 24 (PTI) Stung by criticism for his no-show at Vijender's medal ceremony, Indian Olympic Association (I.O.A.) President Suresh Kalmadi Sunday defended himself and said it was not possible for him to shrug internationalcommitment to see the Indian boxer at the podium.

Kalmadi told PTI that he and I.O.A. Secretary General Randhir Singh were scheduled to give away the medals and bouquets to the winners of the women's 4x400m relay event at the Bird's Nest, which made it impossible for them to attendVijender's medal ceremony.

"I'm startled by the criticism. Giving away medals and bouquets was an international commitment for me. After all, I'm also the President of the Asian Athletics Association. I just could not be at two places at the same time," saidKalmadi, also an I.A.A.F. Council member.

"I went when it mattered most. I went to see his bouts and also visited him in the Olympic village to congratulate him. I think that was more important than attending his medal ceremony, which I would have done anyway but for thiscommitment to give away Olympic medals," he added.