Power Struggles and Allegations Shake Indian Olympic Association

PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association, has rebutted claims made by executive council members accusing her of operating the IOA autocratically. Usha suggests these members prioritize their interests over the athletes' welfare and sports development, highlighting allegations of misconduct against some council members.

In the face of accusations branding her leadership 'autocratic,' PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association, has lambasted dissident executive council members. According to Usha, these members prioritize self-serving agendas and monetary gains over the welfare of the sport and athletes.

In an official statement, Usha pointed to the questionable records of some council members, implicating them in gender bias and sexual harassment cases. Without naming individuals, she emphasized the detrimental effect of their actions on the IOA's mission.

This turmoil follows a collective letter from 12 executive council members to Jerome Poivey of the International Olympic Committee. These members allege Usha's overbearing leadership style and contest Raghuram Iyer's appointment as CEO, a move they demand to be rescinded. Usha has rejected these claims, attributing them to efforts aimed at disrupting the organization's progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)