PT Usha Accuses IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav of Blocking Grants for Paris Olympics Athletes

PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has accused IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav of blocking crucial financial grants for athletes preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Usha's statement comes amid an escalating feud between her and the IOA Executive Committee (EC) over several issues, including the appointment of Raghu Iyer as IOA CEO.

She has also voiced concerns about the EC's failure to organise a felicitation ceremony for the Indian athletes who brought home six medals from the Paris Games. PT Usha alleged that despite repeated efforts and proposals, the IOA EC has not taken any steps to honour the Olympic medallists.

"These athletes have made the nation proud, and it is the responsibility of the IOA to celebrate their achievements with the respect they deserve," Usha said in her letter, criticising the EC's inaction. She noted that the EC has yet to organise a formal felicitation ceremony, despite the athletes returning in mid-August.

She also highlighted a proposal to provide each Olympic-bound athlete with a preparatory grant of ₹2 lakhs and ₹1 lakh for each coach. However, Usha accused Sahdev Yadav of blocking the funds.

"The refusal to disburse these funds reflects a lack of understanding of the needs of athletes and shows a complete disregard for their preparation and well-being," she stated.

As per Hindustan Times, Sahdev Yadav has dismissed these allegations, claiming that no such proposal was presented to the EC for approval. Usha's letter further questioned the commitment of some EC members, particularly those who were former athletes, to support the current generation of athletes.

She expressed her disappointment, stating that the failure to honour these athletes is a stark contrast to the celebrations held after India's success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.