EC members have sidelined ‘meaningful discussions’ about athletes: Usha

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Mar 04, 2025 10:20 PM IST

IOA president hits again at opposing govt council, saying they’ve proven reluctance to handle vital issues associated to Indian sports activities

New Delhi: Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) president PT Usha on Tuesday accused govt committee (EC) members of constantly blocking “meaningful discussions,” concerning athletes welfare and their efficiency.

IOA president PT Usha. (PTI)

Usha was responding to IOA vice chairman and EC member Gagan Narang, who was vital of her choice to nominate an advert hoc committee to run the affairs of the Boxing Federation of India. Olympic medallist Gagan had written to Usha that athletes are struggling due to such “arbitrary decisions.”

The IOA president stated an advert hoc committee for BFI was necessitated as a result of the federation failed in its “fundamental responsibilities” and there was no effort to determine recent expertise, choose promising boxers and implement structured coaching programmes with the Asian Video games quick approaching.

“The decision to appoint an ad hoc committee was not arbitrary but a necessary step to restore order, ensure proper governance and prioritize athlete development,” she wrote to Gagan on Tuesday.

The Delhi Excessive Courtroom on Monday stayed the advert hoc committee for BFI, following an identical ruling within the case of Bihar Olympic Affiliation, saying the facility to nominate an advert hoc panel is with the IOA normal council.

IOA president Usha and the manager committee are engaged in a tussle that’s seen as a hindrance to vital functioning of the physique. Narang had requested Usha to name an emergency govt committee assembly to debate urgent issues and reminded her that the final common IOA govt council assembly was held in October 2023 whereas the IOA annual normal assembly has not been held since March 2023.

To this Usha stated that she has made a number of makes an attempt over the previous yr to convene EC conferences to debate “key issues” regarding welfare of athletes and their preparations. “Unfortunately, these efforts have been thwarted time and again by members — including yourself — who have consistently blocked meaningful discussions.”

She stated “the EC has instead shown a disproportionate preoccupation with matters such as appointment of chef de mission and deputy chef de missions for the Olympic Games, along with budgetary approvals that appear to align with personal preferences rather than the greater good of Indian sports.”

Emphasising that she is dedicated to safeguard the curiosity of Indian athletes and guarantee transparency and accountability in sports activities governance, Usha stated the EC have been reluctant to actively have interaction in discussions about enhancing athlete efficiency or implementing measures to reinforce India’s medal successful potential. “The persistent reluctance to address these critical matters raises serious concerns about the priorities of some within the IOA.”

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