IOC lifts India Olympics sanction

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted a 14-month suspension of India's Olympic association, allowing its athletes to compete under their own flag at the Sochi Games.

The decision comes two days after the association held elections in accordance with IOC directions.

Indian athletes at the Sochi Olympics can now compete for their country rather than as independents, IOC media director Mark Adams said.

The IOC suspended the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for allowing officials facing corruption charges to contest elections in December 2012, saying it went against the Olympic charter.

World Squash Federation president N Ramachandran was elected the president of the IOA on Sunday.

Three Indians competing in Sochi took part in the opening ceremony walking behind the Olympic flag. Shiva Keshavan has already competed in the luge as an independent.

The Indian flag will also be raised at a special ceremony at the Olympic village, Adams said.

The IOC took the decision at an ad hoc meeting on Tuesday of its executive board.

"It is the first time in Olympic history that a suspension of an NOC has been lifted during the Games, and the decision will have an immediate impact," he said.