IOA President PT Usha Calls Special Meeting to Address Controversial Issues

IOA President PT Usha Calls Special Meeting to Address Controversial Issues

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has called for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 25 to address pressing issues that have divided the organization. The meeting will focus on the contentious appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer, allegations of corruption against treasurer Sahdev Yadav, and the eligibility of certain Executive Council (EC) members.

Usha has faced resistance from a majority of EC members on these matters. Iyer’s appointment has been particularly contentious due to concerns over his pay package and suitability for the role. Usha maintains that the CEO is crucial for the smooth functioning of the IOA and has warned that delays in his appointment could jeopardize India’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

The SGM will also address allegations that some EC members are ineligible to hold office due to age and tenure restrictions outlined in the National Sports Code. The anonymous complaint has raised concerns about the validity of their positions.

Usha’s call for the SGM follows a heated confrontation with the EC on September 26, where members reiterated their opposition to Iyer’s appointment. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both physical and virtual attendance.

Iyer, a former CEO of IPL teams Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, has also held administrative roles in the Indian Super League and Ultimate Table Tennis. His appointment has been met with resistance from EC members who question his qualifications and the high salary package offered to him.

The SGM will provide a platform for the IOA to address these contentious issues and reach a consensus. The outcome of the meeting will have significant implications for the organization’s governance and its ability to prepare for major sporting events, including the potential bid for the 2036 Olympics.

IOA Internal Feud Escalates, IOC Intervenes

IOA Internal Feud Escalates, IOC Intervenes

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been embroiled in a bitter internal feud, with President PT Usha and most of the executive council (EC) members engaged in a public showdown. The turmoil has escalated to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which has urged the IOA to address its governance issues.

Usha has accused the EC members of non-cooperation, claiming that they have blocked funds for athlete preparation and prevented the organization of a felicitation ceremony for Paris Olympics medalists. However, IOA treasurer Sahdev Yadav has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “blatant lies.”

Yadav asserts that Usha has not consulted with EC members or made any official proposals for the felicitation ceremony. He also claims that all proposals approved by the EC and finance committee have been paid promptly.

The conflict intensified after the EC refused to ratify Raghu Iyer’s appointment as CEO. Usha claims that Iyer’s appointment was approved in a January 2024 meeting, but the EC members dispute this, stating that they have rejected his nomination.

The EC has circulated a separate meeting minutes, assigning the CEO’s duties to joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey. Usha has dismissed these minutes as invalid, accusing the EC of resisting Iyer’s appointment since their tenure began in December 2022.

The IOC has expressed concern over the ongoing infighting and has asked the IOA to resolve its internal issues. The organization has sent a special invitee to EC meetings to monitor the situation.

The feud has cast a shadow over the IOA’s preparations for the Paris Olympics. Athletes and officials have expressed concern that the internal turmoil could affect India’s performance at the Games.

IOA Crisis Deepens: EC Accuses Usha of Autocratic Behavior

IOA Crisis Deepens: EC Accuses Usha of Autocratic Behavior

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is embroiled in a deepening crisis, with the executive council (EC) accusing president PT Usha of “autocratic” behavior and violating the constitution. The feud stems from the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO, which the EC rejected in a stormy meeting on Thursday.

The EC, in a letter to IOC’s Institutional Relations and Governance head Jerome Poivey, expressed concerns about Usha’s “regrettable” conduct and her disregard for the views of her colleagues. They accused her of running the organization in a “my way or the highway” manner, which contradicts the democratic principles enshrined in the IOA constitution.

The EC members highlighted that Usha’s behavior has hindered progress and stonewalled good governance practices. They emphasized that the organization must be governed democratically, with the participation and consensus of the entire council.

Poivey, who attended the meeting via video conference, clarified that the IOC does not have the mandate to interfere in the internal matters of an NOC. However, the EC members stated that they would continue to pursue meaningful dialogues with Usha in an effort to resolve the crisis.

The EC has resolved to prioritize the appointment of a CEO and re-advertise for the position. They aim to make the appointment within two months.

Usha, for her part, has defended her actions, claiming that she ended the meeting in Poivey’s presence and that the minutes circulated by the EC members are “null and void.”

The crisis has worsened in recent weeks, with Usha and EC members accusing each other of violating constitutional provisions. The IOC has expressed concern over the situation and has urged the parties to resolve their differences amicably.

IOA Executive Council Meeting to Address Contentious Issues, Including Alleged Threats by President

IOA Executive Council Meeting to Address Contentious Issues, Including Alleged Threats by President

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set for a contentious executive council meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, with members adding several contentious items to the agenda. The meeting comes amid escalating tensions between IOA president PT Usha and treasurer Sahdev Yadav.

One of the key issues on the agenda is the alleged “threatening letters” issued by Usha to executive committee members. The council will also discuss the scope of Usha’s powers under the IOA Constitution and consider reporting her conduct to the IOA Ethics Commission.

The meeting will also address issues related to the recent Paris Olympics, including sponsorship details, additional expenses incurred, and the accreditation process. The selection of Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) in November 2022 and their participation in IOA elections will also be discussed.

The meeting was called by 12 council members, including senior vice president Ajay Patel, vice-president Rajalaxmi Singh Deo, and former Olympic medallist Gagan Narang. Notably, boxer M C Mary Kom and table tennis player A Sharath Kamal, who are on the IOA athletes commission, did not sign the document.

The growing tensions between Usha and Yadav stem from a show cause notice issued by Usha to Yadav, challenging his eligibility to hold the post of treasurer. Yadav has threatened legal action against Usha for “defaming” his image.

The IOA meeting is expected to be heated, with members likely to express their concerns and seek clarification on various issues. The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for the future of the IOA and its leadership.

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