In a strongly worded statement, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha responded to what she termed as “false and malicious” accusations made by 12 Executive Council (EC) members of the IOA.
The allegations were brought to the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through a letter sent to Jerome Poivey, IOC Director of International Relations.
Usha condemned the accusations as an attack on her leadership and on the efforts of her team to improve Indian sports.
The letter, she stated, was part of a broader agenda aimed at obstructing the nation’s sporting progress.
PT Usha, a decorated sportsperson with 45 years of experience representing India, expressed her dismay at the indifference of some individuals toward the aspirations of athletes and the future of Indian sports.
She emphasized that their actions jeopardize India’s efforts to host the 2036 Olympic Games, a vision shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Appointment of CEO Under Scrutiny
One of the key issues raised by the dissenting EC members concerned the appointment of Mr. Raghuram Iyer as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IOA.
Usha clarified that Iyer’s appointment in January 2024 was conducted in full accordance with the IOA constitution, specifically Article 15.3.1, which outlines the due process for selecting a CEO.
Despite the statutory requirement to fill the position within a month, the process was delayed by nearly two years due to resistance from certain EC members.
The nomination and selection process for the CEO, Usha explained, followed the proper protocol, including advertising the position and involving key figures such as the President and members of the Athletes Commission and the IOC.
The majority of EC members had approved Iyer’s appointment during a ratified meeting in January 2024.
Delay in Salary Payments and Transparency Issues
Although Mr. Iyer’s appointment was ratified, PT Usha revealed that he has not received any salary due to obstruction by EC members.
These members have refused to approve his payment, claiming transparency concerns.
Usha firmly rejected these claims, pointing out that the meetings discussing Iyer’s appointment were minuted, transcribed, and even video-recorded, with most EC members approving his appointment.
She accused the dissenters of misusing the transparency argument for personal agendas.
Questionable Allegations Against EC Members
PT Usha went further, revealing that some of the accusing EC members have questionable records, including allegations of gender bias and sexual harassment.
A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed financial irregularities involving IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav, who, along with other members of the IOA Finance Committee, allegedly misappropriated funds owed to the IOA.
Additionally, Usha highlighted a case of unauthorized use of the IOA’s PAN card by an ad-hoc volleyball committee, and the irregular affiliation of the Taekwondo Federation of India by former Acting CEO Kalyan Chaubey.
Usha warned that these actions have harmed Indian athletes and tarnished the reputation of the IOA.
In her closing remarks, Usha reiterated her commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and the advancement of Indian sports.
She described the actions of the EC members as a deliberate attempt to hinder the positive developments that the IOA has been working toward.
Usha assured the public that these accusations would not derail the IOA’s mission to support athletes and elevate India’s status as a sporting powerhouse.
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