(Image source from: India finally goes to the Sochi Olympics})

After much debate, discussion, disappointment, speculation and a long wait, India finally returned to the Olympics on Sunday five days after the International Olympic Committee lifted its suspension on the Southeast Asian nation.

India was banned from participating in Olympics after a corruption-tainted official was voted in as secretary general during Indian Olympic Association election in December 2012.

The IOC relaxed the ban on February 11 following fresh elections last week, allowing India to be a part of the Winter Games at Sochi.

"Very, very emotional," new IOA President N. Ramachandran, who is also heading the World Squash Federation, told Reuters Television.

"For us having been out for 15 months and to come back within two days after our elections is something I could not believe," he said, thanking IOC President Thomas Bach for the quick action.

Three Indian athletes marched under the Olympic flag at the opening ceremony, but can now carry the Indian Flag on Feb. 23 when the Games conclude.

"It is now a fresh start for us and hopefully better days will come for Indian winter sports," luger Shiva Keshavan told the television reporters.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury