IOA feud nears end as ministry steps in
NEW DELHI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has for some time attracted unwanted attention due to various controversies — be it the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as the CEO, Executive Council (EC) members bringing a no confidence motion against president P T Usha in an attempt to remove her, joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey performing the additional duties of acting CEO contrary to International Olympic Committee's (IOC) wishes, IOC withholding 'Olympic Solidarity Fund' to India and pausing all payments to the Usha-led NOC, a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report which criticised a faulty sponsorship deal with Reliance India Limited (RIL) that resulted in a Rs 24 crore loss to IOA and corruption allegations against current treasurer Sahdev Yadav and the finance committee.
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The protracted administrative conflict between Usha and 12 EC members raised concerns over the stability of IOA, potentially hindering PM Narendra Modi govt's ambitions to establish India as a global sporting power. As India campaigns to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 as well as the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2036, a united, stable IOA without factionalism was considered essential.
According to sources, years of internal struggles, mismanagement and public disputes within IOA may be nearing an end, possibly as soon as next week. Usha and the group of 12 EC members have reached a consensus to set aside differences and cooperate professionally in national interest — regarding the bid to host the CWG and Olympics, as well as other international sporting events.
It has been indicated that EC members have agreed to ratify Iyer's appointment as CEO, which had been a principal issue between Usha and the EC.
Iyer was appointed IOA's CEO in Jan 2024 after a formal selection process, but EC refused to ratify it citing concerns over his salary. This prompted the IOC to issue warnings to IOA about the lack of a full-time CEO.
Usha and the EC members have reportedly agreed to approve balance sheets and audited accounts, and to withdraw charges of financial irregularities against the treasurer. The last IOA executive council meeting was held on Sept 26, 2024, and a Special General Body Meeting (SGBM) is expected shortly to resolve outstanding matters.
Sports minister
Mansukh Mandaviya
played a significant role in mediating between Usha and the EC members. Acting behind the scenes, he ensured that IOA's disputes didn't disrupt India's Olympic aspirations. Mandaviya has repeatedly urged IOA officials to prioritise national interests and good governance. On Thursday evening, some IOA office-bearers met Mandaviya at his residence where a decision was reached to resolve the deadlock and work collectively.
'Things are on the mend. Everything has been sorted out between Usha and EC members. There could be a resolution as early as next week or in 10 days. Everyone understands the nation comes first at a time when India is planning to host the CWG and Olympics. IOA needs to present a united front and disputes can be set aside,' the source stated.
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