The two-year suspension imposed after the 2018 Asian Games was lifted on navigator Dattu Bhokanal on Thursday following the intervention of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra.
In a letter to Batra, RFI President Rajalakshmi Singh Dev said, “The two-year suspension on rower Dattu Bhokanal is lifted from 23 January 2020. The rower has been informed accordingly and has been advised to prepare for the forthcoming Olympic Qualification Regatta to be held at Chungju, South Korea from April 27-30 this year”
In his explanation, Bhokanal had said that he had fallen from the boat which had overturned due to which he was not feeling well that day and thus had to opt out of the competition.
Bhokanal had written in his reply to the RFI notice, “My boat overturned on the day of the race. My lungs were filled with water. I tried my best but it was impossible to breathe. Considering the next day’s MX4 race, I did not want to let down my team. I had to regretfully give up the race,” Dattu had said in response to the show case notice.
Further, in response to the alleged financial scam he had replied, “There was no intent of misleading/misuse of provision… I have no relationship with the lady and I assure you that I will never ever commit financial fraud.”
However, the Rowing Federation had rejected both his explanations and banned him for two years. Following the ban Bhokanal had approached the IOA athletics commission.