Introduction
In a recent controversy surrounding the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), President PT Usha responded firmly to allegations made by 12 IOA Executive Council members. Addressing the issue in a letter to International Olympic Committee (IOC) Director of International Relations, Jerome Poivey, Usha labeled the accusations as “false and baseless.” Her response focused on safeguarding the integrity of Indian sports and countering efforts that seek to undermine the growth of the nation’s athletic community.
Defending Her Position and Leadership
PT Usha, a legendary Indian athlete with over 45 years of experience in sports, emphasized that these claims were nothing more than an attempt to malign her leadership. “In my long career representing India at the highest levels, I have never encountered individuals so indifferent to the aspirations of our athletes and the nation’s sporting future,” Usha said. She highlighted that these members are prioritizing “self-serving power plays and monetary gain” over the progress of Indian sports.
Allegations Over Appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO
One of the key issues raised by the 12 members was the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IOA. Addressing this point directly, PT Usha clarified that Iyer’s appointment was made in full compliance with the IOA constitution. As per Article 15.3.1, the Executive Council must appoint a Secretary General/CEO within a month of the position becoming vacant. This decision was executed through a rigorous selection process, involving the IOA President, Chairperson of the Athletes’ Commission, and an IOC member from India.
“The questioning of Iyer’s appointment is not just a reflection of ignorance but a direct attempt to disrupt the operations of the IOA,” Usha stated. She emphasized that the selection process adhered to all constitutional mandates, with the role publicly advertised and the candidate thoroughly vetted before being offered the position.
Addressing Payment Concerns and Transparency Issues
Further clarifying the controversy, PT Usha revealed that Raghuram Iyer has not received any payment since his appointment in January 2024. “Despite his official appointment, Iyer has not been paid a single rupee to date due to the ongoing obstruction by certain EC members,” she explained. The delay in his salary was solely due to the refusal of a few council members to approve necessary payments, which, according to Usha, reflects poorly on their commitment to IOA’s operational transparency.
The IOA President also questioned the transparency claims made by these individuals. “If they were truly committed to transparency, why would they refuse the recording of Executive Council meetings? Their resistance to accountability speaks volumes,” she remarked.
Investigations into Misuse of IOA’s PAN Card
In addition to addressing personal allegations, Usha brought attention to ongoing investigations into the misuse of the IOA’s PAN card. This misuse was carried out by an ad hoc committee led by Rohit Rajpal, a council member, without obtaining necessary approvals. The unauthorized use of the PAN card for financial transactions raised serious concerns about the credibility of the accusing members.
Taekwondo Federation Controversy
PT Usha further highlighted a critical issue involving former acting CEO Kalyan Chaubey. Chaubey allegedly bypassed the IOA General Assembly to grant affiliation to the Taekwondo Federation of India, which is not recognized by either the World or Asian Federations. This unilateral decision could have detrimental impacts on Indian Taekwondo athletes, jeopardizing their participation and growth at international levels.
Reaffirming Support for India’s Sporting Aspirations
The IOA President’s firm response concluded with a reiteration of her dedication to the growth of Indian sports. Usha argued that the letter from the 12 EC members was part of a broader attempt to hinder the progress of Indian sports, especially as India eyes the possibility of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. “These actions not only tarnish the image of Indian sports but also disservice the aspirations of our athletes and the nation’s goal of becoming a global sporting powerhouse,” Usha asserted.
Conclusion: Committed to Strengthening Indian Sports
Despite the baseless accusations, PT Usha has made it clear that her commitment to enhancing the sports ecosystem in India remains unwavering. “We will not allow such baseless allegations to derail our mission to empower our athletes and bring glory to our country on the global stage,” she affirmed.
With this robust response, PT Usha aims to restore focus on the core mission of the IOA: empowering athletes and ensuring India’s sporting future is brighter than ever. Her leadership stands as a testament to the resilience required to navigate the complex intersection of sports and administration in a rapidly evolving landscape.
