IOA President Usha Slams EC for Neglecting Olympic Medalists, Blocking Funds

IOA President Usha Slams EC for Neglecting Olympic Medalists, Blocking Funds

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has expressed deep concern over the Executive Committee’s (EC) failure to honor Olympic medalists and the Finance Committee’s blockage of funds intended for athletes’ preparation for the Paris Games.

Usha lamented that despite India’s historic medal haul of six, including two bronze by Manu Bhaker, the EC has not organized a formal felicitation ceremony. She emphasized the importance of celebrating athletes’ achievements and expressed disappointment that the EC “does not want to celebrate their success.”

The IOA President also revealed that a proposal for a preparatory grant of Rs 2 lakh for each Olympic-bound athlete and Rs 1 lakh for each coach had been blocked by the Finance Committee, particularly by IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav. Usha believes this grant would have provided crucial support to athletes in the lead-up to the Games.

Usha highlighted the contrast with previous leadership, which organized a successful felicitation ceremony for the Tokyo 2021 medalists despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She questioned the commitment of some EC members, especially former athletes, to recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of athletes.

The IOA had planned to award each individual medalist between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore, with coaches receiving Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. Usha urged the EC to take immediate action and ensure that athletes receive the honors they deserve.

She reaffirmed her commitment to stand by the athletes, stating, “Our athletes are the heart and soul of Indian sport. I will not rest until they are given the due respect, support, and acknowledgment they have earned.”

Usha’s concerns come amidst allegations of “autocratic” leadership and a demand by 12 EC members to remove IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer. Usha has dismissed these accusations as “malicious and false,” asserting that they aim to undermine her leadership and efforts to improve Indian sports.

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 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.

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.

IOA Crisis Deepens as Usha and EC Members Trade Accusations

IOA Crisis Deepens as Usha and EC Members Trade Accusations

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is embroiled in a deepening crisis as President PT Usha and members of the executive committee (EC) engage in a bitter exchange of accusations.

Usha had issued notices to five EC members on September 10, alleging that they held positions in violation of the IOA constitution and Sports Code. Vice-president and EC member Rajlaxmi Singh Deo has retaliated, questioning Usha’s own election as IOA president.

Deo claims that Usha’s “Proposer” and “Seconder” for her nomination were not approved by the IOA General Body, rendering her election “illegal.” She cites the IOA Constitution, which outlines the process for nominating and electing Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) to the EC.

Deo has invited Usha to respond to her allegations, which she has shared with the Sports Minister and the International Olympic Committee. Usha was elected IOA president in December 2022, becoming one of eight SOMs selected by the Athletes Commission.

The crisis within the IOA stems from the appointment of CEO Raghu Ram Iyer in January. Usha and the majority of the EC oppose the appointment, leading to a power struggle that has escalated after the Paris Olympics.

Besides Deo, EC members Ajay Patel, Sahdev Yadav, Bhupinder Singh Bajwa, and Alaknanda Ashok have been accused of violating the Sports Code. Deo has criticized Usha for acting on an “anonymous” letter and failing to investigate the complainant’s veracity.

She has accused Usha of malicious intent, aiming to silence EC members who have raised concerns about her alleged violations of the IOA constitution. The ongoing turmoil has severely impacted the functioning of the IOA, casting a shadow over its preparations for future sporting events.

Delhi HC Restores IOA Ad Hoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India

Delhi HC Restores IOA Ad Hoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India

The Delhi High Court has reinstated the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad hoc committee to oversee the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The decision came in response to a plea filed by renowned wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian.

The court’s interim order overturned the IOA’s dissolution of the ad hoc committee, which was formed after the WFI’s elections in December 2023. The court held that the IOA’s decision was incompatible with the Union Sports Ministry’s suspension of the WFI following the elections.

Justice Sachin Datta rejected the petitioners’ request to appoint a retired high court or Supreme Court judge as the WFI administrator. Instead, the court allowed the IOA to reconstitute the ad hoc committee with eminent sportspersons or experts who have experience in dealing with international federations.

The wrestlers had protested at Jantar Mantar last year, demanding the arrest of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. They subsequently filed a petition in the high court to annul the WFI elections.

The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, for allegedly violating its constitution. The IOA then formed an ad hoc committee to manage the WFI’s affairs. However, the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted the suspension in February, prompting the IOA to dissolve its ad hoc committee on March 18.

The court ruled that the UWW’s lifting of the ban was unrelated to the Sports Ministry’s suspension order and the formation of the ad hoc committee. It also stated that the Sports Ministry should not have adopted a passive approach that undermined its own orders.

The court emphasized that the ad hoc committee will continue to manage the WFI’s affairs until the Sports Ministry’s suspension order is reviewed or recalled. It also noted that the Paris Olympic Games are over, and there is no reason for the ministry to delay a decision on the suspension order.

India Aspires to Host 2036 Olympics, Seeks Athletes' Input

India Aspires to Host 2036 Olympics, Seeks Athletes’ Input

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set his sights on hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India. In his Independence Day speech, he called upon Indian athletes to provide their insights and recommendations for the smooth hosting of the quadrennial extravaganza.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has already initiated discussions with the Future Host Commission (FHC) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The FHC is responsible for evaluating potential host cities and making recommendations to the IOC Executive Board.

PM Modi invited the entire Indian contingent from the Paris Olympics to join him for Independence Day celebrations at his residence in New Delhi. He emphasized the importance of their input, stating, “India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. In this regard, the input from athletes who have played in previous Olympics is very important.”

He urged the athletes to share their observations and experiences from previous Games, highlighting the need to document their insights and share them with the government. “We want to document this and share it with the government so that we don’t miss out on any small details in the preparation for 2036,” he said.

PM Modi referred to the Indian contingent as an integral part of his “2036 team” and asked the sports ministry to draft a document and thoroughly consider player comments and suggestions. “In this way, you are an important part of my 2036 team, helping us host an Olympics like no other in the world,” he added.

He also encouraged the athletes to provide suggestions on how to improve Indian sports further. “Your feedback and suggestions are very important because it’s your responsibility to guide those who will represent the country in the future,” he said.

The IOC’s host selection process is rigorous and involves a detailed evaluation of potential host cities. The FHC engages in a dialogue with interested National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which progresses from a continuous dialogue to a targeted dialogue with selected NOCs.

Once the FHC completes its evaluation, the IOC Executive Board holds an election to award the hosting rights for the Olympic Games.

Vinesh Phogat's CAS Appeal Dismissed, IOA Expresses Disappointment

Vinesh Phogat’s CAS Appeal Dismissed, IOA Expresses Disappointment

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed that wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has been dismissed. The decision, which came as a surprise to both Phogat and the IOA, was announced on Wednesday, August 16.

According to IOA advocate Vidushpat Singhania, CAS has not provided a reason for dismissing Phogat’s appeal. He added that the decision can be appealed against at the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days.

“No detailed order has come yet. Only a single-line order has come so far that her appeal has been dismissed. They have not cited a reason why it has been dismissed or why did they take so much time…We were both surprised and disappointed that a decision came last evening and her appeal was dismissed… We hope that the detailed order will come in 10-15 days… CAS decision can be appealed against at the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days. The 30-day time will begin after a detailed order comes. Harish Salve is with us, he will guide us. We will sit with him, draft an appeal and file it…,” Singhania said.

Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Tokyo Olympics on August 7 after exceeding the weight limit. She was found to be 100 grams over the limit during the weigh-in.

Following her disqualification, Phogat appealed to CAS, requesting that she be awarded the silver medal. However, her appeal has now been dismissed.

The verdict was originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, but was delayed to August 16. The decision was announced on Wednesday, August 16.

Phogat’s disqualification and subsequent appeal have been a major talking point in the Indian sporting community. Many have expressed support for Phogat, while others have questioned the fairness of the decision.

The IOA has stated that it will continue to support Phogat and will explore all legal options available to her.

IOA Explores Legal Options After CAS Dismisses Vinesh Phogat's Medal Plea

IOA Explores Legal Options After CAS Dismisses Vinesh Phogat’s Medal Plea

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has expressed shock and disappointment after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Vinesh Phogat’s plea for a silver medal in the women’s 50kg event at the Paris Olympics. The CAS released a statement on Wednesday confirming the dismissal of the application filed by Phogat on August 7, dealing a significant blow to her Olympic medal hopes.

Phogat had appealed to CAS after she was disqualified from the final of the 50kg event at the World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade in September 2022. She was found to be overweight by a mere 100 grams, which resulted in her being barred from competing in the final. American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt claimed the gold medal in her absence.

In her appeal, Phogat demanded that she be given a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semi-finals but was promoted to the summit clash following the Indian’s disqualification.

The IOA has voiced concerns over the decision of the Sole Arbitrator at CAS, which upheld the ruling in favor of United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOA believes that the total disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination.

The IOA also highlighted the stringent and arguably inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes’ well-being.

In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options. The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh’s case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times.

Vinesh Phogat's CAS Appeal for Silver Medal Awaits Verdict

Vinesh Phogat’s CAS Appeal for Silver Medal Awaits Verdict

India’s Olympic campaign in Paris concluded with six medals, but the nation eagerly awaits a potential seventh that could match their Tokyo Games record. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on behalf of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the gold-medal bout in the women’s 50kg freestyle event due to being 100 grams overweight.

Vinesh’s team presented their case to CAS, arguing that her weight gain was due to the distance between the competition venue and the Athletes Village, as well as the tight schedule between bouts. They emphasized that the excess weight did not provide her with any competitive advantage and was a result of natural recovery processes.

Vinesh’s legal team also invoked the principle of proportionality, arguing that the consequences of her disqualification were disproportionate to the minor weight excess. They highlighted her hard work and the silver medal she earned through her performance.

Despite criticism of the IOA medical team, the association has expressed unwavering support for Vinesh. IOA President PT Usha stated that the association considers it their duty to back her.

The CAS is expected to announce its verdict on Vinesh’s plea on August 13. If successful, India could match their best-ever Olympic medal tally of seven.

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