Indian Olympic Association Against Dow sponsorship of London Games

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has written to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) strongly urging the IOC to reconsider Dow Chemicals sponsorship of the 2012 London Games on December 20.

The letter to the IOC states, "It is IOAs considered opinion that Dow Chemicals should be removed as the sponsors of the Games. Because the very presence of this company is against the spirit of the Olympic ideals Even Britains Shadow minister for Olympics Tessa Jowell, who was in Delhi last week had asked the Games organizers to drop DOW Chemicals as the sponsors."

"IOA urges the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to urgently take this matter up with the organizers of the London Games and also convey our concerns to them and ensure matter is sorted out amicably keeping in view the sentiments of the millions of people."

The letter comes a few days after DOW Chemical agreed to remove its logo from London's Olympic stadium but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said that it is not satisfied with the move and wants US giant to remove its sponsorship from the 2012 Games.

DOW said it was agreeing to the "vision" of the 2012 Games by waiving its sponsorship rights to place its brand on a controversial fabric wrap for the stadium. Environmental health and human rights groups have condemned London Games links with Dow which is liable for Bhopal gas disaster.