IOA President PT Usha Accuses Sports Ministry Of Undermining Spirit Of Fair Play, Reveals Hiding Of Facts

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has written a strongly-worded letter to the sports ministry, accusing it of interference in the affairs of national federations and thereby "undermining the credibility of sports governance."

Usha cited several instances, including the contentious elections of the Indian Golf Union (IGU), to support her claims.

This development follows the ministry's criticism of the IOA for recognizing the IGU elections won by the Harish Kumar Shetty-led faction. Usha contended that Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is being inadequately informed on significant matters concerning national federations, including the disputed IGU elections.

In a letter dated January 2, signed by the undersecretary, the ministry called the IOA's recognition of Shetty's faction potentially problematic, suggesting it could "create avoidable duplication and confusion" and might not withstand legal scrutiny. Responding to the letter, Usha addressed Mandaviya, asserting, "The manner in which this letter has been issued appears procedurally incorrect and reflects a lack of verification of the facts on record and a complete non-application of mind by the Under Secretary.

"Sir, since I have assumed office in the IOA, it has become more and more apparent that the staff of the Ministry deliberately never appraises the true and correct facts to the Hon'ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports," Usha wrote.

Disputed IGU Elections

On December 15, two Annual General Meetings (AGMs) were held to elect new IGU office-bearers. At the India Habitat Centre, Brijinder Singh was re-elected president with retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Rameshwar Malik serving as Returning Officer. Meanwhile, at the Olympic Bhawan, Harish Kumar Shetty was elected president under the supervision of Justice OP Garg (Retd) as the Returning Officer.

The IOA recognized the Shetty-led faction after a review of the facts and procedural adherence but faced resistance from the ministry. Usha claimed the faction backed by the ministry did not meet quorum requirements as mandated by Article 22 of the IGU Constitution. "This specific provision mandates the presence of a minimum 10 State Golf Associations (SGAs) for a valid AGM," she explained.

She further noted, "The recognition of this faction, despite the participation of only 09 (Nine) out of the 31 (Thirty One) recognized SGAs as on the date of commencement of the election process, renders the conduct of the AGM and subsequent elections void."

Ministry's Actions Questioned

Usha highlighted that the AGM conducted under Justice OP Garg (Retd) had 21 out of 31 SGAs present, meeting the quorum and ensuring a valid election. "The IOA has deemed the election of the office bearers of the IGU at this meeting as valid and accorded recognition to the new office bearers of the IGU," she stated.

She alleged that Brijinder Singh interfered in the election process, despite norms prohibiting such actions. Addressing ministry concerns that the IOA's actions violated the National Sports Code, Usha dismissed them as "unfounded" and accused the ministry of inconsistent standards.

The 60-year-old cited examples of federations such as equestrian and yachting, which have failed to hold elections for nearly three years yet continue to enjoy recognition. Additionally, she referred to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), whose elections in December 2023, conducted under Supreme Court orders and recognized internationally, remain unacknowledged by the ministry.

Inconsistencies in Governance

Usha criticized the ministry's reliance on the IGF website update for recognizing the IGU faction, calling it "superficial." She added, "The selective application of norms undermines the credibility of sports governance in India and the spirit of fair play that we aim to uphold."

She also emphasized the procedural irregularities in the IGU elections, stating that the Electoral College should have been prepared by the Returning Officer, not the outgoing president. Usha accused the ministry of allowing "illegally elected office bearers" to remain on the IOA executive council without intervention.

Urging corrective measures, Usha concluded, "In light of these issues, I urge the Ministry to take corrective action to ensure adherence to the principles of transparency, accountability, and compliance with the NSDC 2011 and recall its letter dated 28 December 2024, granting recognition to the illegal elections to the faction of IGU which did not meet the mandatory quorum for conduct of an AGM as required by its own Constitution."

Copies of Usha's letter were also sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Golf Federation (IGF).