IOA Standoff over CEO Appointment Delays Olympic Bid Dialogue

IOA Standoff over CEO Appointment Delays Olympic Bid Dialogue

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has hit a roadblock in its bid to host the 2036 Olympics, as the executive council (EC) has refused to ratify the appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer. This decision has created a standoff with IOA president PT Usha, who believes the move will hinder India’s dialogue with the IOC’s Future Host Commission (FHC).

Usha emphasized that without a CEO, the IOC will not engage in discussions regarding the 2036 Olympics. She stated that the appointment of Iyer in January had led to two meetings with the FHC, but now the process is at a standstill.

During the crucial EC meeting, 12 members expressed their concerns about Iyer’s nomination and the agenda was put to vote. The minutes of the meeting, signed by all EC members except Usha, indicate that 12 members voted against the ratification of the CEO.

The EC members raised objections to Iyer’s pay package of ₹20 lakh per month and called for a reinitiation of the appointment process with new terms of reference. They expect the process to be completed within two months.

Usha left the meeting after the vote, while the members decided that Joint Secretary Kalyan Chaubey would continue as acting CEO until a new CEO is appointed.

Usha expressed her disappointment with the EC’s decision, stating that the members had initially agreed to negotiate Iyer’s salary but later changed their stance. She also questioned the EC’s authority to include the discussion in the meeting minutes, as she had left the meeting.

The IOC representative in the meeting, Jerome Poivey, stated that the matter was an internal issue for the IOA and that the IOC had no specific views on the matter.

An EC member questioned the interest of the CEO in continuing with the IOA despite the board’s refusal to ratify his appointment. The member emphasized that the appointment of a new CEO should not take more than two months.

India’s bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics and 2036 Summer Olympics is facing delays due to the turmoil within the IOA. The FHC engages in discussions with nations interested in hosting the Olympics before finalizing the bid and candidates. The IOC has stressed the importance of a strong NOC for a successful bidding process.

India's Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Promising Start, But More Work Needed for Women's Game

India’s Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Promising Start, But More Work Needed for Women’s Game

India’s historic triumph at the Chess Olympiad, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing their first-ever titles, has sparked a wave of excitement and optimism for the future of chess in the country. However, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand cautions that while this is a promising start, there is still much work to be done, particularly in promoting women’s chess.

Anand, who has been a mentor and inspiration to the current generation of Indian chess prodigies, believes that the Olympiad victory will inspire more girls to take up the game. “It’s a very good beginning, but we must continuously keep progressing,” he said. “We need to get more and more girls to play, and this result will hopefully inspire them.”

While the men’s game has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, with young talents like R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh making waves on the world stage, the women’s game has lagged behind. Anand emphasizes the importance of supporting players at all levels and creating opportunities for them to compete.

“We need to grow the game and increase the base of the pyramid,” he said. “Events like the Global Chess League play a big part in that because they give a lot of people opportunities. Unexpectedly, you might play a much bigger role than you expected. Teams victory, all these things will boost.”

Anand also warns that other countries will be analyzing India’s performance and returning stronger. “Every country goes back and learns lessons,” he said. “The other teams will take their disappointment, they’ll go back and they’ll come back stronger.”

To maintain India’s recent success in chess, Anand believes that it is crucial to tap into the talent at the grassroots level. “We want many more things like this to happen,” he said. “We need to support players at all levels and create opportunities for them to compete.”

Manu Bhaker Defends Carrying Medals, Inspires with Journey of Success

Manu Bhaker Defends Carrying Medals, Inspires with Journey of Success

Manu Bhaker, India’s double medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has faced criticism on social media for “carrying her medals wherever she goes.” In response, Bhaker has taken a subtle jab at her critics by proudly displaying all the medals she has won since childhood.

Bhaker, who is now 22, began her shooting journey at the age of 14. She has since achieved remarkable success, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal and the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.

Despite her accomplishments, Bhaker has been targeted by internet trolls who have accused her of being “obsessed” with her medals and “showing them off.” In an interview with Times of India, Bhaker addressed the criticism, saying, “Everyone has this desire to show their medals, which is why I carry mine in case someone wants to see it. People even request me, saying, ‘Please bring your medal along,’ and when I do, several photos are taken at these events.”

Bhaker’s response highlights the importance of self-confidence and resilience in the face of criticism. She has refused to let the trolls deter her from celebrating her achievements and inspiring others.

Bhaker’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. She has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, but she has never given up on her dreams. Her success is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.

Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification: Yogeshwar Dutt Calls for Apology

Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification: Yogeshwar Dutt Calls for Apology

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics sent shockwaves through the Indian contingent and the wrestling world. The wrestler’s disqualification due to being 100gm overweight sparked an outpouring of sympathy and support.

However, London Olympics bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt has expressed a different perspective, stating that Vinesh should have apologized for missing out on the medal. “If someone gets disqualified at the Olympics, the first thing they should do is apologize to the entire country for their mistake and for the loss of a medal,” Dutt said.

Dutt criticized the narrative that Vinesh’s disqualification was a conspiracy, emphasizing that the rules apply equally to all athletes. “Everyone knows that if someone is disqualified, whether it’s because of a 1-gram, 10-gram, or 100-gram weight difference, the rules apply the same,” he said.

Dutt also questioned the protests against Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing the protesters of creating a “wrong atmosphere” across the country. “Even after the loss of a medal for the country, a new narrative was built, claiming that something wrong had happened to Vinesh,” he said.

Dutt’s comments come as Vinesh and Bajrang Punia, another prominent face in the protests, have joined the Congress party and are contesting the Haryana Assembly election. Dutt, who joined the BJP in 2019, was overlooked by the party for the upcoming state assembly polls.

Indian MotoGP Postponed to 2026 Due to Operational Challenges

Indian MotoGP Postponed to 2026 Due to Operational Challenges

The Indian Grand Prix, a highly anticipated event on the MotoGP calendar, has been postponed to 2026 due to operational challenges. The race, initially scheduled for September 2023, was first deferred to March 2025. However, unforeseen circumstances have necessitated a further delay.

The postponement was announced by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA), and Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP. In a statement, they cited “operational circumstances” as the reason for the delay.

The Indian Grand Prix was set to be held at the Buddh International Circuit, which hosted the inaugural race in 2023. Over 50,000 fans witnessed the thrilling event, making it the largest motorsports spectacle in India since the last Formula 1 race in 2013.

However, the Indian Grand Prix has faced several challenges in recent years. Formula 1, which had a brief three-year stint in India, was discontinued due to financial and taxation issues. The MotoGP race has also encountered similar obstacles.

In July 2023, Dorna signed a new three-year contract with InvestUP, the Uttar Pradesh government’s agency, to keep the Indian GP on the calendar from 2025 to 2027. However, the operational challenges have forced a postponement to 2026.

Despite the setback, both MotoGP and InvestUP remain committed to bringing the race back to India. They are working diligently to ensure a world-class event that will showcase India as a destination for global sporting events.

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a fresh tender to find a new co-promoter to execute the mega event, which is estimated to cost around 160 crores. Approximately 100 crores of this amount will be reserved for Dorna, the rights holder.

The postponement of the Indian Grand Prix is a disappointment for fans and organizers alike. However, it is important to address the operational challenges to ensure a successful and memorable event in the future. MotoGP looks forward to returning to India and racing in front of its passionate fans as soon as possible.

Railways Edge BPCL in Thrilling Hockey Semifinal Qualifier

Railways Edge BPCL in Thrilling Hockey Semifinal Qualifier

Defending champions Indian Railways secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over former champions BPCL in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament on Wednesday. The hard-fought match was filled with twists and turns, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Railways dominated the early stages of the game, taking a 4-2 lead going into the fourth quarter. However, BPCL refused to go down without a fight, forcing three consecutive penalty corners at the start of the quarter. Railways’ defense held firm, but BPCL’s relentless attack paid off as former international Devender Walmiki scored a brace within three minutes to equalize.

Just when it seemed like BPCL would snatch a draw, Railways’ Darshan Gawkar delivered the decisive blow in the dying minutes of the match. The goal sent shockwaves through the BPCL camp and secured Railways’ place in the semifinals.

In the other Pool-A match, Indian Army defeated Maharashtra 2-1 to join Railways in the last four. Cyril Lugun and Akshay Dubey scored for Army, while Venkatesh Kenche netted a consolation goal for Maharashtra.

The semifinalists from Pool-B are IOC and Odisha. IOC defeated Central Secretariat 6-1, while Odisha beat Karnataka 6-4.

India's Chess Teams Make History with Maiden Gold Medals at Olympiad

India’s Chess Teams Make History with Maiden Gold Medals at Olympiad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India’s historic triumph at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where both the men’s and women’s teams clinched their maiden gold medals.

India’s men’s team, comprising D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, defeated Slovenia in the final round, while the women’s team, led by R Vaishali, D Harika, and Tania Sachdev, triumphed over Azerbaijan.

Gukesh, the star of the tournament, won 10 out of 11 rounds in the Open category, playing a pivotal role in India’s victory. Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa also secured decisive wins in the final round.

The women’s team secured their gold by defeating Azerbaijan. Vaishali, Harika, and Sachdev displayed exceptional skills and determination throughout the tournament.

In a video shared on social media, Modi interacted with the chess champions, who presented him with a chessboard. Praggnanandhaa and Erigaisi played a quick game of chess, leaving Modi spellbound.

The Indian men’s team finished with an impressive 21 out of 22 possible points, conceding only one draw against Uzbekistan. The women’s team also performed remarkably, securing 18.5 points out of 22.

India’s historic achievement at the Chess Olympiad is a testament to the growing popularity and talent in the sport. The gold medals are a source of pride for the nation and will inspire future generations of chess players.

Indian Chess Teams Rewarded with ₹3.2 Crore for Historic Olympiad Triumph

Indian Chess Teams Rewarded with ₹3.2 Crore for Historic Olympiad Triumph

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) celebrated the historic triumph of the Indian teams at the 45th Chess Olympiad with a grand felicitation ceremony in New Delhi. The event witnessed the announcement of a staggering ₹3.2 crore in rewards for the gold medal-winning squads.

AICF President Nitin Narang unveiled the generous rewards, with each player from the victorious teams receiving ₹25 lakh. The captains of the men’s and women’s teams, Abhijeet Kunte and Srinath Narayanan, were honored with ₹15 lakh each. Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, the head of the Indian delegation, received ₹10 lakh, while the assistant coaches were rewarded with ₹7.5 lakh.

“The hunger for gold ended in Hungary, but the desire for success continues,” declared Narang during the felicitation. “In the open section, we dominated, and in the women’s section, we owned it.”

AICF Secretary General Dev A Patel expressed optimism that the historic twin gold medals would ignite a chess revolution in India. “In 97 years of Chess Olympiad, we won gold in both categories. It’s a historic achievement,” Patel said. “This will give a new spark to chess enthusiasts. We will look to use this momentum to encourage the next generation of chess players.”

India’s triumph at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest marked a watershed moment in Indian chess history. The men’s team, led by D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, displayed unwavering dominance throughout the tournament, defeating Slovenia in the final round. Gukesh, the star performer, won 10 of 11 rounds, propelling India to the top with 21 out of a possible 22 points.

The women’s team, captained by D Harika, Tania Sachdev, and R Vaishali, secured their gold by defeating Azerbaijan in a tense final. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated the champions, praising their dedication and impact on Indian sports.

The AICF’s generous rewards and the historic achievement of the Indian teams are expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in India, further solidifying the country’s position as a global chess powerhouse.

NADA Issues Notice to Vinesh Phogat for Whereabouts Failure

NADA Issues Notice to Vinesh Phogat for Whereabouts Failure

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has issued a notice to wrestler Vinesh Phogat for whereabouts failure. The notice, served on Wednesday, seeks an explanation from Phogat within 14 days.

As a member of NADA’s Registered Testing Pool (RTP), Phogat is required to provide details of her availability for dope tests. If she fails to provide accurate information or is not present at the specified location and time, it is considered a whereabouts failure.

According to the notice, Phogat was not available for a dope test on September 9 at her residence in Kharkhoda village, Sonepat. The NADA notice states, “You are hereby given a formal notice to notify you about apparent failure to comply with the whereabouts requirements of the ADR, and to invite you to make any comments before we come to a final decision on the matter.”

Phogat has the option to accept the failure or provide evidence that she was present at the specified location for approximately 60 minutes. It is important to note that a single whereabouts failure does not constitute an anti-doping rule violation. However, three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period can lead to charges against an athlete.

Phogat’s whereabouts failure comes at a time when she is actively involved in politics. She recently joined the Congress party and is contesting the upcoming Haryana Assembly election from Julana constituency.

Vidit Gujrathi Skips Azerbaijan Tournament for PM Modi Felicitation

Vidit Gujrathi Skips Azerbaijan Tournament for PM Modi Felicitation

Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, fresh from his triumph at the Chess Olympiad, has decided to forgo defending his title at the Vugar Gashimov Memorial Chess Super Tournament in Azerbaijan to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Gujrathi, who won the Azerbaijan event last year, was part of the historic Indian men’s team that clinched the Chess Olympiad gold in the Open category.

Upon learning about the felicitation function, Gujrathi expressed his joy and gratitude on social media. “I reached Baku and I got to know our Hon’ble PM wants to felicitate the Indian team. I was overjoyed when I heard this and I wanted to be a part of it. It’s amazing at how such short notice he is taking out time for us,” he wrote.

Gujrathi, 29, has been replaced by Aravindh Chithambaram for the event to be held from September 25-30. “I contacted Sarkhan Gashimov (organiser) and he understood my sentiments. Big thanks to him! Wishing Aravindh the best to play against top players in this prestigious event,” Gujrathi added.

After India’s historic Chess Olympiad victory, Gujrathi remarked that the golden era of chess has just begun for his country. “We can call it a golden era for Indian chess, as gold has been won. The same team competed in the Asian Games, but I think everyone has stepped up their game over the past year. We were winning by significant margins, and it was a dominant performance,” he said.

Gujrathi also addressed the incident where he missed shaking hands with his opponent, Levon Aronian. “I have a routine of meditating before every match, which helps me stay focused and perform better. I was busy with that, which is why I missed shaking hands with him. When I opened my eyes, I then shook hands with him,” he explained.

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