IOA President PT Usha Defends Leadership Against Accusations

PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has responded strongly to accusations from 12 Executive Council members who claim she runs the organization in an 'autocratic' manner. In a letter to Jerome Poivey of the IOC, the EC members expressed their concerns about Usha's leadership style and her rejection of their request to remove CEO Raghuram Iyer. Usha countered that the accusations were aimed at undermining her leadership and the progress of Indian sports, asserting that Iyer's appointment was conducted according to the IOA constitution. She criticized the EC members for their focus on personal gain rather than the aspirations of athletes and the goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India. The conflict has escalated, with Usha emphasizing her commitment to good governance while the EC members seek a more democratic approach within the organization. This feud raises questions about the future of governance in Indian sports amid ongoing tensions within the IOA.