The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is embroiled in another internal conflict, this time between its President, PT Usha, and Treasurer, Sahdev Yadav. Yadav has threatened legal action against Usha, accusing her of defaming him. This escalation follows Usha’s decision to issue a show-cause notice to Yadav, questioning his eligibility to hold the Treasurer position.
The controversy stems from an anonymous complaint alleging that Yadav, also the President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF), and other IOA officials are violating the age and tenure guidelines set by the National Sports Code. The Code mandates that officials step down after holding office for 12 consecutive years. Yadav, who has served as a board member for 15 years, including a stint as the IWLF Secretary General, insists that he is eligible to hold office.
In a strongly worded reply to Usha’s notice, Yadav expressed his displeasure, stating that it was based on a “baseless and politically motivated letter” and that the 2022 IOA executive council elections were held under Supreme Court supervision. He further accused Usha of defaming his image by leaking the notice to the media before he received it.
This latest development adds fuel to the ongoing feud between Usha and the IOA Executive Council. Usha had previously accused the Council members of trying to sideline her by defying her decisions, including the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as IOA CEO.
The controversy has also been fueled by a Rs 1.75 crore loan provided to the IWLF by the Organising Committee of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, under the instructions of the Sports Ministry, to pay the doping fine imposed on the federation by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
Usha, in her show-cause notice, questioned Yadav about allegations of “filing and furnishing false information in the IOA, misappropriation and writing off public money belonging to the IOA for the benefit of the IWLF.”
Yadav vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “completely false and frivolous,” and claimed that the loan was waived off by the IOA after the 2010 CWG. He further argued that the matter was discussed and approved at the 5th IOA Executive Council meeting in 2021, and no subsequent decisions have been made to challenge this waiver.
Yadav has demanded that Usha withdraw her notice and the “reckless allegations” against him, threatening further legal action if she fails to do so. He alleges that Usha’s actions have caused him mental harassment and tarnished his reputation.
This latest development highlights the deep-seated tensions within the IOA and raises serious concerns about its governance and transparency.
