In a recent address, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed deep disappointment over false and malicious allegations made by 12 members of the IOA Executive Council (EC). These allegations were directed at the President’s leadership and specifically targeted the appointment of Mr. Raghuram Iyer as IOA Chief Executive Officer, as well as other key administrative decisions.
The IOA President, a veteran sportsperson with a 45-year-long career representing India on the global stage, condemned the accusations, calling them an attempt to derail efforts aimed at uplifting Indian sports. The President emphasized that these claims undermine the nation’s collective aspiration to bring the 2036 Olympic Games to India, a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Accusations Regarding the Appointment of the CEO
One of the central points of contention raised by the EC members was the appointment of Mr. Raghuram Iyer as the IOA CEO in January 2024. According to the President, this appointment followed all the required processes as per the IOA Constitution. Despite a statutory deadline of one month for appointing a CEO, the process was delayed by nearly two years due to internal opposition from the EC.
The Nomination Committee, adhering to Article 15.3.1 of the IOA Constitution, eventually completed the selection process, and Mr. Iyer’s appointment was ratified during the January 2024 Executive Committee meeting. The President further clarified that the entire selection process was minuted, video-recorded, and transparently shared with the EC members.
However, claims of an “exorbitant” salary package for Mr. Iyer have surfaced, which the President dismissed as false. Mr. Iyer has not been paid any salary to date, primarily due to certain EC members obstructing the decision-making process and defying constitutional provisions.
Concerns About EC Members’ Integrity
In a sharp rebuttal, the IOA President questioned the integrity of some EC members, who, despite serious allegations of misconduct, continue to hold positions within the IOA and other National Sports Federations. Some members have been implicated in gender bias and even sexual harassment cases. The President also highlighted suspicious financial practices, including the alleged misappropriation of funds by IOA Treasurer Mr. Sahdev Yadav and Finance Committee members, who have reportedly written off large sums owed to the IOA.
Further concerns were raised over the unauthorized use of the IOA’s PAN card by an ad hoc committee overseeing volleyball activities and the questionable affiliation of the Taekwondo Federation of India, neither of which were recognized by international governing bodies. The President criticized the former Acting CEO, Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, for bypassing the IOA General Assembly in making this decision, which could have severe consequences for Indian taekwondo athletes.
Commitment to Integrity and Transparency
The IOA President expressed firm resolve to continue upholding values of integrity and transparency, even as baseless allegations from certain EC members seek to tarnish the reputation of Indian sports administration. The President reiterated that the letter submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was part of a larger ploy to impede progress in Indian sports and distract from efforts to elevate the country to a global sporting powerhouse.
In conclusion, the President assured that despite these challenges, the focus would remain on supporting Indian athletes and ensuring that the country’s sporting infrastructure and governance continue to improve, with the ultimate goal of bringing Olympic glory to India.