Bindra, who at Beijing 2008 claimed 10 metre air rifle gold to become the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal, had been hoping to travel straight from the World Championships in the Spanish city of Granada to arrive with plenty of time to spare before today's Opening Ceremony.

But he could not arrive until Wednesday (September 17) evening, two days after his preferred date, as the event organisers were unable to send accreditation cards for the Indian shooting squad because their entries had not been sent on time.

They were forced to return to India for 24 hours in order to secure a South Korean visa.

"It would have been nice to come in early but what can I do?," the athlete, a fierce critic of India's sports administrators, told AFP.

"But you know what, I have got used to these things, nothing surprises me anymore.

"The best I can do is concentrate on my event and give my best."

Indian athletes, bidding to better the Asian Games medal haul they managed at Guangzhou four years ago, have been affected by the missed deadline for Incheon 2014 
©AFP/Getty Images



The 31-year-old, who won a fourth Commonwealth Games gold medal at Glasgow 2014 earlier this summer, is bidding to finish on the top step of the podium for the first time at an Asian Games, following a team silver four years ago in Guangzhou.

But,in addition to the extra-fatigue and lack of preparation time caused by the bungled accreditation, Bindra will face the formidable challenge of strong rivals from China and hosts South Korea, with both individual and team 10m air rifle finals due to take place on Tuesday (September 23).

With all 516 of the countries athletes accredited late, and the Sports Ministry deciding that accommodation and allowances will be provided for only five days before their competition starts, those from other sports have been affected, with the Indian boxing team among those to have missed allocated training slots due to their late arrival. 

As well as a chance to improve upon their 65 medal haul four years ago in Gunagzhou, a total that included 14 golds, these Games are also an opportunity to illustrate the gains made by the Indian Olympic Association since a 14-month suspension from the International Olympic Committee was lifted earlier this year.

This followed the appointment of World Squash Federation chief Narayana Ramachandran as President. 

But the latest problem follows major embarrassment at Glasgow 2014 after IOA general secretary Rajeev Mehta was arrested for allegedly driving without a licence and above the legal alcohol limit.

Wrestling official Virender Malik was also arrested in an unrelated incident involving an alleged sexual assault.

Both were eventually released without charge due to a lack of evidence, although an investigation has been opened by the IOA after the incident provoked widespread condemnation from the Indian public.