The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is facing a crisis as the executive committee (EC) has called for an emergency meeting to address urgent issues with president PT Usha. The EC members have raised concerns over the arbitrary functioning of CEO Raghuram Iyer and Ajay Narang, Usha’s executive assistant.
The logjam has affected the functioning of the IOA, with financial bills being held up and preparations for the Paris Olympics in jeopardy. The EC members have pointed to the resignation of two senior members, Raj Laxmi Singh Deo and Sahdev Yadav, due to a lack of information and arbitrary actions by Iyer and Narang.
The EC has alleged that the duo is making unauthorized hotel and ticket bookings, granting unapproved accreditations, and spending IOA funds without following due processes. They have also expressed concerns over the appointment of Iyer as CEO, which they claim was illegal and unconstitutional.
The EC members have demanded that Usha consult them on key appointments, such as the chef-de-mission for the Paris Olympics, and make decisions as per the IOA constitution. They have also reiterated their opposition to Iyer’s appointment and Narang’s contract.
Usha has defended her actions, claiming that Iyer was appointed through proper procedures and that Narang is her executive assistant. However, the EC members maintain that they were not consulted on Iyer’s appointment and that Narang’s contract is a violation of the IOA constitution.
The crisis within the IOA has raised concerns about the preparations for the Paris Olympics. The EC members have urged Usha to address the issues urgently and ensure that the athletes are well-prepared for the Games.
