IOA treasurer Sahdev Yadav Accuses PT Usha of 'Defaming' His Image, threatens legal action

In a fresh escalation within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), treasurer Sahdev Yadav has threatened legal action against IOA president PT Usha, accusing her of defamation.

The controversy stems from PT Usha's issuance of a show cause notice to Yadav on September 10, questioning his eligibility to hold office based on an anonymous complaint that alleged violations of the National Sports Code's age and tenure guidelines.

Yadav, who also serves as the president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF), responded strongly to Usha's notice in a letter dated September 23. He stated, "It is very unfortunate that you have given value to such baseless and politically motivated letters, fully knowing that the election of the IOA Executive Council was conducted under the supervision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in 2022."

He further warned Usha to withdraw the notice or face legal action for defaming his public image. Yadav's anger also stemmed from the fact that Usha's letter was allegedly leaked to the media before it reached him, a point he emphasized by claiming, "The image of the IOA and my individual social image have been defamed in the eyes of the public, the government, and the IOC."

The dispute deepened further with Usha's inquiry into Yadav's handling of a Rs 1.75 crore loan that was provided to the IWLF in 2010 for settling a doping fine before the Commonwealth Games. Usha raised concerns about the funds, accusing Yadav of financial misconduct. In his defense, Yadav called the allegations "false and frivolous" and clarified that the loan had been waived off by the IOA after the Games.

This internal power struggle comes on the heels of an already fraught relationship between Usha and the IOA's Executive Council, with tensions flaring earlier in the year when EC members challenged Usha's decisions, including the controversial appointment of Raghuram Iyer as IOA CEO.

With Yadav now threatening legal action and Usha standing firm, this latest controversy adds yet another chapter to the ongoing infighting within India's premier sports body.