IOA president PT Usha accuses sports ministry of undermining sports governance
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha accused the sports ministry of interfering in the affairs of national federations in a strongly worded letter. Usha said the ministry has “undermined the credibility of sports governance”. With the ministry at loggerheads with the IOA for recognising the Indian Golf Union (IGU) elections won by the Harish Kumar Shetty-led faction, Usha said sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya is not being “properly apprised” of various important issues concerning national federations, including the contentious IGU polls. In a letter dated January 2 and signed by the undersecretary, the ministry said the IOA’s act of according recognition to Shetty’s faction can “create avoidable duplication and confusion” which may not withstand legal scrutiny. In her response, Usha said, “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 lOA, it has become more and more apparent that the staff of …



