“The ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) was asked to make a proposal on how the two available Olympic quota places will now be otherwise reassigned,” the IOC said.

In IOC’s view, the Indian stand was, “against the Fundamental Principles of the Olympic Charter, in particular the principles of non-discrimination, as well as the IOC’s and the Olympic Movement’s position, reiterated on many occasions over the past few years, that equal treatment must be guaranteed for all participating athletes and sporting delegations at international sports events, without any form of discrimination or political interference from the host country.”

Reacting to the development, former IOC member Randhir Singh told The Hindu , “This issue has to be taken seriously. It can impact Indian sports in a big way. The government will have to give it in writing that no individual would be denied visa to participate in a sporting event in India.”

Former IOA president and veteran sports administrator Vijay Kumar Malhotra wanted a policy on this subject. “The IOC has a policy which we have to adhere to as far as uniform participation is concerned. We can’t discriminate,” he said.

The IOC sanctions may lead to cancellation of international events this year in badminton, chess, golf and hockey, among others.