Gatecrash fallout: 2010 US-India Polo match cancelled

WASHINGTON: India today cancelled its participation in the 2010 Polo Cup World Championship, which was to be organised by Virginia couple Tareq and Michaele Salahi, who gatecrashed into the White House state dinner last week hosted in honour of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"We have decided to terminate it," Indian Embassy spokesman Rahul Chhabra said referring to the India vs US match in the America's Polo Cup.

A communication in this regard was sent to the Salahis. The match was scheduled to take place on June 11 and June 12 at the prestigious National Mall in Washington.

The Salahis, who have been asked to appear before a Congressional committee tomorrow, have denied they entered into the White House uninvited when US President Barack Obama hosted state dinner for Singh.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, however, said that no invitation was issued to the Salaihs for the state dinner.

Meanwhile, the White House said following the gate crash event last week, a review of entire process has been taken now a staff member representing the Social Secretary's Office would be deployed at security check points to avoid the repeat of such a gate crash.

"That was based on an assessment and a review of our procedures made by Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina," Gibbs said in response to a question.