IOA President Usha's Unilateral Decisions Spark Dispute over National Games

IOA President Usha’s Unilateral Decisions Spark Dispute over National Games

The announcement of dates for the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand has ignited a fresh dispute between Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and its Executive Committee (EC) members. Usha unilaterally announced the dates (January 28-February 14) and appointed five key committees to oversee the event. However, none of the EC members, who have been at odds with Usha, were included in these panels.

The EC members, led by Joint Secretary Alaknanda Ashok, have expressed their disapproval, stating that the decision was made without their consultation or approval. They argue that such unilateral actions violate the IOA Constitution. Ashok, who was previously designated as the coordinator for the Games, is notably absent from the committees announced by Usha.

The EC also questions the rationale behind the proposed dates, which overlap with India’s participation in the Asian Winter Games (February 7-14). They believe this will create confusion and hinder preparations. Additionally, they emphasize the need for approval from national sports federations and state Olympic associations, who are key stakeholders in the event.

Usha, on the other hand, has accused Alaknanda and other EC members of holding their positions in breach of the Sports Code. She has also formed an ad hoc committee for the Tripura Olympic Association without consulting the EC or General Body.

The dispute has escalated to the point where Usha called a Special General Meeting to discuss the contentious issue of CEO Raghu Iyer’s appointment. However, the meeting was later postponed by her.

The ongoing conflict between Usha and the EC members has raised concerns about the smooth conduct of the National Games. The EC members are demanding transparency and adherence to the IOA Constitution, while Usha maintains her authority as President. It remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved and whether it will impact the preparations for the prestigious event.

IOA President Accuses AIFF Chief of Impersonation and Unauthorized Agenda

IOA President Accuses AIFF Chief of Impersonation and Unauthorized Agenda

PT Usha, the esteemed president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has raised grave concerns regarding the conduct of All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey. Usha alleges that Chaubey has “impersonated as the acting CEO of the IOA” and issued an “unauthorised agenda” for the Special General Meeting (SGM).

Bhaichung Bhutia, a legendary former India forward, has expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that the credibility of the AIFF has plummeted under Chaubey’s leadership. Bhutia believes that Chaubey’s actions have damaged the reputation of the IOA as well.

“I feel sorry for PT Usha ma’am and the IOA,” Bhutia said. “We have all seen what Kalyan Chaubey has done to the football federation. The credibility of the federation has taken a huge hit during his tenure.”

Bhutia highlighted a series of questionable decisions made by Chaubey, including withdrawing India’s bid to host the Asia Cup and awarding it to Saudi Arabia, as well as moving the Santosh Trophy to Saudi Arabia. He also criticized Chaubey’s comments about North Eastern players being too short.

“These are all very dumb statements that he’s making,” Bhutia said. “He’s already ruined the Football Federation, and now he’s trying to damage the Indian Olympic Association as well.”

Usha’s allegations stem from a circular issued by Chaubey on official IOA letterhead, listing 26 agenda items for the SGM to be held on October 25. One of the items was a vote of no confidence against Usha, and Chaubey signed the circular as IOA’s joint secretary and acting CEO. However, Usha maintains that Chaubey does not hold the acting CEO’s post.

Bhutia believes that Chaubey should step down from his position and call for elections in light of the corruption allegations that have surfaced.

“You have a lawyer (Nilanjan Bhattacharjee) of the federation accusing him of corruption; you have the former general secretary (Shaji Prabhakaran), who was appointed by you and then removed within a couple of months, putting serious accusations on the president,” Bhutia said. “When you have those kinds of allegations, it’s time to step down, accept the new constitutions, and call the elections.”

The AIFF’s former principal legal advisor, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, has previously made serious “corruption allegations” against Chaubey. In a letter addressed to PM Narendra Modi, Bhattacharjee raised concerns about Chaubey’s non-transparent tender process, preferential allotment of tenders, and attempts to “syphon off money from the federation’s exchequer.” Bhattacharjee’s contract was later terminated by Chaubey.

IOA Loses Olympic Solidarity Grants Amid Internal Disputes

IOA Loses Olympic Solidarity Grants Amid Internal Disputes

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is facing a financial crisis after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended its Olympic Solidarity grants due to ongoing internal disputes and governance issues. The IOC’s decision was communicated to the IOA in a letter on October 8, citing “reciprocal allegations” within the Executive Council.

Olympic Solidarity provides funding to National Olympic Committees (NOCs) for athlete development programs. The suspension of these grants will significantly impact the IOA’s ability to support Indian athletes, threatening their preparation for upcoming international competitions.

The IOA has blamed its treasurer, Sahdev Yadav, for the IOC’s decision, accusing him of failing to file the necessary annual financial reports. Yadav has denied these allegations, claiming that the president, PT Usha, has compromised the IOA’s assets by unilaterally agreeing to an amended sponsorship agreement with Reliance India Limited (RIL).

The ongoing feud between Usha and 12 Executive Council members over the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO has further hindered the IOA’s ability to function effectively. A Special General Body meeting has been summoned on October 25 to address these issues.

The IOC has urged all concerned parties to resolve the governance issues in accordance with the IOA Constitution and the Olympic Charter. However, the ongoing internal disputes and allegations have raised concerns about the IOA’s ability to effectively manage its affairs and support Indian athletes.

IOA President PT Usha Faces No-Confidence Motion from Executive Committee

IOA President PT Usha Faces No-Confidence Motion from Executive Committee

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is embroiled in a power struggle, with 12 of its 15 executive committee members planning to move a motion of no confidence against president PT Usha at a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 25.

The rift between Usha and the EC members has escalated, leading to a 26-point agenda for the SGM. The agenda includes discussions on Usha’s functioning, conduct, non-compliance with the IOA constitution, and failure to convene an Annual General Meeting.

The EC members also allege that Usha has “pressurized the finance committee to approve unauthorized expenses related to her.” The agenda’s final point is a “vote of no confidence against the president.”

The agenda also includes a detailed discussion on sponsorship agreements executed by Usha without consulting the sponsorship committee or the executive council. Usha has faced scrutiny after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report observed a loss of ₹24 crore to IOA due to Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) being given four extra events without any extra price.

Usha has defended her actions, claiming that the EC members were aware of the negotiations with RIL and that it was done to protect the rights fee payable by the company. However, the EC members have objected to Usha’s unilateral decisions and have accused her of violating the constitution.

The dispute has also centered around the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO. The EC members have objected to his pay package and have brought back joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey as acting CEO. Usha has called an SGM to discuss the dispute and put it to a vote.

The agenda also includes matters related to corruption and complaints against some EC members regarding their ineligibility to hold office. The EC members have accused Usha of non-compliance with constitutional mandates and unilateral decision-making.

The showdown between Usha and the EC members has reached a critical point, with the motion of no confidence potentially leading to her removal as president.

IOA President PT Usha Defends Sponsorship Renegotiation, Accuses EC Members of Obstruction

IOA President PT Usha Defends Sponsorship Renegotiation, Accuses EC Members of Obstruction

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has defended her decision to renegotiate the sponsorship agreement with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), stating that executive committee members were aware and involved in the discussions.

Usha’s actions came under scrutiny after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report alleged a loss of ₹24 crore to IOA due to RIL being granted four additional events without extra payment. However, Usha claims that the renegotiation was necessary to protect the rights fee of ₹35 crore payable by RIL.

According to Usha, RIL sought to reduce the rights fee by 50% after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) clarified that sponsor branding at the India House during the Paris Olympics would be limited to the inside of the NOC House. This would have deprived RIL of significant brand mileage.

Usha convened a meeting with RIL representatives and Rohit Rajpal, Chairman of IOA’s sponsorship committee, on September 20, 2023, to discuss the options. These included terminating the sponsorship agreement, accepting the 50% reduction in rights fee, or negotiating with RIL to ensure the establishment of the NOC House at Paris and protect future cash flow.

Usha maintains that all EC members, including Kalyan Chaubey, were informed of the discussions and were part of the decision-making process. She also highlights that Rajpal had spoken to RIL directly.

Usha’s comments come amid ongoing tensions with EC members over the appointment of Raghu Iyer as CEO. The EC has objected to Iyer’s pay package and has not ratified his appointment. Usha has called an SGM later this month to address the matter.

Usha expressed frustration with the EC’s behavior, accusing them of creating problems and attempting to “usurp power.” She cited examples of EC members seeking inappropriate positions and privileges, such as becoming Ski and Snowboard Chairman despite having no experience in winter sports.

Despite the challenges, Usha remains optimistic that the impasse will be resolved and that preparations for the Paris Olympics and India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics will not be affected.

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 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.

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