The executive board of the International Olympic Committee, during its meeting on October 8, expressed grave concerns over “the ongoing internal governance issues within the Indian Olympic Association” and decided that, until further review, the Olympic Solidarity grants to the IOA will be withheld from disbursement.
Specifically, the IOC EB noted the persistent obstruction to the ratification of the appointment of IOA chief executive officer Raghuram lyer in January, an action that has hindered the IOA’s ability to function effectively.
“In view of these developments, the IOC executive board has decided that, until further review, the Olympic Solidarity grants to the IOA will be withheld from disbursement. The IOC has also taken steps to ensure that the athletes selected for Olympic Solidarity scholarships will be paid directly, ensuring that their preparations for the future International Events are not disrupted by the internal failings of the IOA,” the IOC declared.
In the wake of the development, the IOA expressed its “deep concern” over the “severe financial repercussions” caused by the suspension of the grants.
The IOA stated that its president PT Usha has been persistently seeking the executive committee (EC) ratification of the appointment of lyer since January and an expansion of the administrative staff to enhance the organization’s accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency.
“The recent failures in financial management further highlight the need for these critical reforms. Dr. Usha has reiterated that a robust administrative framework is essential to ensure that the IOA fulfils its duties to the athletes, stakeholders, and the wider sporting community,” the IOA added.
The IOA asserted further that the failure of the IOA treasurer, Sahdev Yadav, to file the necessary annual financial reports, despite repeated reminders from the IOC, was another reason the grants have been suspended.
The Olympic Solidarity grants, a vital source of funding for athlete development programs and sports initiatives, have been withheld due to non-compliance in submitting the financial reports, a responsibility solely within the purview of the treasurer (read Yadav, who is also part of the cabal within the IOA, led by AIFF president and BJP politician Kalyan Choubey, that has been actively working to undermine the authority of IOA president PT Usha from the get-go).
“This lapse (by Yadav) shall significantly impact the IOA’s ability to provide the necessary financial support to Indian athletes, threatening their preparation and performance for upcoming international competitions,” the IOA stated on Friday.
“The IOA is committed to taking immediate corrective actions to regain the trust of the EOR and restore its financial stability. The President of the IOA calls upon all members of the General Assembly to prioritize the interests of Indian athletes and support the urgent reforms needed to ensure that such lapses do not occur in the future,” the statement further noted.
“This negligence will result in the IOA losing out on critical Olympic Solidarity grants for the past few years, dealing a major blow to the IOA’s efforts to support Indian athletes,” the IOA statement concludes.
