Indian sports minister's Olympic pass could be revoked over 'rude' behavior

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Rio de Janeiro Olympic organizers are threatening to cancel the Indian sports minister's accreditation over "aggressive and rude" behavior.

Olympic officials accuse Vijay Goel and his entourage of repeatedly attempting to enter competition zones without proper credentials. Goel and his group are accused of sometimes forcing their way in to certain areas.

"We have had multiple reports of your minister for sports trying to enter accredited areas at venues with unaccredited individuals," Sarah Peterson, continental manager for the Rio Olympic committee, said in a letter to Rakesh Gupta, who is in charge of India's Olympic delegation. "When the staff try to explain that this is not allowed, they report that the people with the minister have become aggressive and rude and sometimes push past our staff."

Goel said the accusations are a misunderstanding.

"To my knowledge, we have been following all rules and regulations. We are committed to the spirit of Olympics and back our Indian players," Goel said in a statement. "There seems to be some misunderstanding as we have followed all protocols as advised by the organizers."

Peterson warned that Goel's accreditation will be revoked if another incident occurs.

"Should our protocol team be made aware of further examples of this type of behaviour, the accreditation of your Minister for Sports will be cancelled and his privileges at the Olympic Games withdrawn," Peterson wrote. "We trust you will pass on this message urgently."