Madhura sorry for her faux pas at Olympics opening ceremony



Bangalore-based student Madhura Nagendra, who hogged global limelight after walking with the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of Olympics on Thursday, apologised for her 'mistake' prompted by her excitement.



Madhura, who has returned to Bangalore following severe criticism by everyone, mustered courage to call the media and apologise for her 'behaviour.'



However, she claimed that there was no security breach because she enjoyed all levels of clearance for the opening ceremony held at the Olympic Stadium in London on July 27.



Madhura Nagendra (in red shirt) walks along with the Indian contingent during the opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in London on July 27

'I apologise to the nation for having hurt the sentiments of people and sports lovers. I did not know that my presence right in front of the Indian contingent would create such a controversy. I admit my mistake,' she told reporters at her home here.



Though Madhura was not authorised to walk with the Indian contingent comprising high profile sportspersons, she admitted that it was sheer excitement that prompted her to walk alongside them. 'Nobody objected to my presence in the Indian team contingent. I just went along with the flow of the event,' she said.



Madhura grabbed attention by walking in red-and-blue dress next to Indian contingent's flag bearer and wrestler Sushil Kumar. Her presence was seen as a security breach by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). However, the London Olympic Organising Committee let her off and she did not face any punitive action.



A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Madhura was selected to be part of the entertainment troupe for the opening ceremony. She was handed over an 'all access' card as mandated for the participants of the opening ceremony. In fact, prior to walking with the Indian team contingent, Madhura had flashed this card on her Facebook account. Following widespread criticism, she deactivated her Facebook account.



Madhura claimed that there was no security breach as alleged by the IOA. 'I am not sure if it can be called a security breach. I had clearances at all levels. Even it has been clarified by the authorities concerned that my presence was not a threat,' she said.

Madhura defended her act. 'At times, we do things that are deemed necessary but gain attention. But I am apologising for my actions, which have led to this kind of a reaction,' she added.



Madhura's family returned to Bangalore after staying away from following the outrage. The family instructed her to return to India and face the media following the controversy. Madhura, who is pursuing her MBA in the UK, completed her postgraduate course in mass communication from the Christ University in 2009.



According to sources, police officials had visited Madhura's residence for preliminary inquiry, but didn't reveal the reasons for doing so.



