Indian flag at Sochi Winter Olympic Games

India completed its return to the Olympic family on Sunday (February 16) when its flag was hoisted at the Sochi Games, five days after the International Olympic Committee lifted its suspension on the South Asian nation.

All images courtesy: AFP

India had been banned since December 2012 after elections at its Olympic association (IOA) saw a corruption-tainted official voted in as secretary general.

The IOC lifted the ban on February 11 following fresh elections last week, allowing it to be represented at the Olympics and bringing the total number of nations competing at Russia's first Winter Games to 88.

"Very, very emotional," new IOA President N. Ramachandran (second from left) said. "For us after having been out of the IOC and the Olympic movement for 15 months to come back to it and to come back to it within two days of our elections, I just couldn't believe it."

More than the officials, it was an emotional moment for the three Indian athletes participating in the Olympics.

Luger Shiva Keshavan (right) is seen here during the flag hoisting ceremony.

The Indian contingent during the ceremony.

Keshavan later told NDTV that to hear the national anthem play in the Games Village was a special feeling.

The Indian flag will be part of the closing ceremony - on February 23 - as well.