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India's Olympic aspirations took a significant leap forward as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally expressed its intent to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a global sports powerhouse.The IOA's Letter of Intent, submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on October 1, marks a crucial step in India's bid to host the quadrennial extravaganza. The country's interest in hosting the Games was first expressed by PM Modi during his interaction with Paris Olympics athletes on Independence Day 2022.PM Modi emphasized the importance of athlete input in preparing for the 2036 Games, stating, "We want to document this and share it with the government so that we don't miss out on any small details in the preparation for 2036."India's bid received further support from IOC President Thomas Bach, who acknowledged the country's "strong case" for hosting the Games. India is among 10 nations that have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, including Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Egypt, and South Korea.The IOC's Future Host Commission will conduct a thorough selection process to determine the host city. The process involves evaluating factors such as infrastructure, transportation, accommodation, and sustainability.Hosting the Olympics would bring numerous benefits to India, including economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment. It would also provide a platform for Indian athletes to showcase their talent on the world stage.India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is a testament to the country's growing stature in the global sports arena. With its vast population, rich sporting history, and ambitious plans for infrastructure development, India is well-positioned to deliver a memorable and successful Olympic experience.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that the 38th edition of the National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025. The Games will feature competitions in 38 sports, with over 10,000 athletes, officials, and coaches expected to participate.The IOA and the Government of Uttarakhand are working closely to ensure that the Games will be an exceptional experience for all involved. Venues are being constructed and upgraded to international standards, and necessary logistical arrangements are being made to accommodate participants and visitors.The picturesque state of Uttarakhand, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, is preparing to host the multi-disciplinary event for the first time. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressed his gratitude to the IOA for entrusting the state with the responsibility of hosting the Games, stating, "We are committed to delivering a world-class sporting experience. The National Games will not only be a celebration of sports but also a showcase of Uttarakhand's rich culture and hospitality."The National Games provide a vital platform for athletes from all over the country to showcase their talents and continue their journey towards international sporting success. IOA chief PT Usha said, "We are thrilled to bring the National Games to Uttarakhand, a state that has shown remarkable enthusiasm and commitment to hosting this prestigious event."The State Government has initiated significant infrastructure development projects to ensure the success of the event. Venues are being constructed and upgraded to international standards, and necessary logistical arrangements are being made to accommodate participants and visitors.The 38th National Games are expected to be a major sporting event, showcasing the best of Indian athletic talent. The Games will also provide a boost to the economy of Uttarakhand, as well as promote tourism in the state.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has strongly criticized former wrestler Vinesh Phogat for blaming the association for her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Usha asserted that the responsibility lies with Phogat's team, not the IOA.Phogat, who recently entered politics and won her debut election in Haryana, had accused the IOA of mishandling her disqualification. However, Usha refuted these claims, stating that the IOA had provided Phogat with all the necessary support."She was a sportsperson. She should carry the qualities of a sportsman," Usha said. "We all wanted medals from her. After meeting her, we went to the World Wrestling Federation president to protest. They said, 'rules are rules.'"Usha emphasized that Phogat's team was aware of the weight regulations and should have taken appropriate measures to ensure compliance. "For us, it's new, only 100 gms, but for them it is not new. This had happened earlier as well so she should know what to do, and how to tackle it," Usha said.Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg category women's freestyle final for being 100 gm overweight in the second weigh-in. She challenged the verdict in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but was unsuccessful.Usha expressed disappointment that Phogat had chosen to criticize the IOA instead of acknowledging her own team's shortcomings. "It is not our or our sport science doctor's fault, it is her and her team's fault but still, she criticises us," Usha said.Phogat's disqualification ended her hopes of becoming the first woman Indian wrestler to win silver or gold in the Olympics. She announced her retirement from the sport shortly after the incident.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has called for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 25 to address pressing issues that have divided the organization. The meeting will focus on the contentious appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer, allegations of corruption against treasurer Sahdev Yadav, and the eligibility of certain Executive Council (EC) members.Usha has faced resistance from a majority of EC members on these matters. Iyer's appointment has been particularly contentious due to concerns over his pay package and suitability for the role. Usha maintains that the CEO is crucial for the smooth functioning of the IOA and has warned that delays in his appointment could jeopardize India's bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.The SGM will also address allegations that some EC members are ineligible to hold office due to age and tenure restrictions outlined in the National Sports Code. The anonymous complaint has raised concerns about the validity of their positions.Usha's call for the SGM follows a heated confrontation with the EC on September 26, where members reiterated their opposition to Iyer's appointment. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both physical and virtual attendance.Iyer, a former CEO of IPL teams Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, has also held administrative roles in the Indian Super League and Ultimate Table Tennis. His appointment has been met with resistance from EC members who question his qualifications and the high salary package offered to him.The SGM will provide a platform for the IOA to address these contentious issues and reach a consensus. The outcome of the meeting will have significant implications for the organization's governance and its ability to prepare for major sporting events, including the potential bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has expressed deep concern over the Executive Committee's (EC) failure to honor Olympic medalists and the Finance Committee's blockage of funds intended for athletes' preparation for the Paris Games.Usha lamented that despite India's historic medal haul of six, including two bronze by Manu Bhaker, the EC has not organized a formal felicitation ceremony. She emphasized the importance of celebrating athletes' achievements and expressed disappointment that the EC "does not want to celebrate their success."The IOA President also revealed that a proposal for a preparatory grant of Rs 2 lakh for each Olympic-bound athlete and Rs 1 lakh for each coach had been blocked by the Finance Committee, particularly by IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav. Usha believes this grant would have provided crucial support to athletes in the lead-up to the Games.Usha highlighted the contrast with previous leadership, which organized a successful felicitation ceremony for the Tokyo 2021 medalists despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She questioned the commitment of some EC members, especially former athletes, to recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of athletes.The IOA had planned to award each individual medalist between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore, with coaches receiving Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. Usha urged the EC to take immediate action and ensure that athletes receive the honors they deserve.She reaffirmed her commitment to stand by the athletes, stating, "Our athletes are the heart and soul of Indian sport. I will not rest until they are given the due respect, support, and acknowledgment they have earned."Usha's concerns come amidst allegations of "autocratic" leadership and a demand by 12 EC members to remove IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer. Usha has dismissed these accusations as "malicious and false," asserting that they aim to undermine her leadership and efforts to improve Indian sports.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set for a contentious executive council meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, with members adding several contentious items to the agenda. The meeting comes amid escalating tensions between IOA president PT Usha and treasurer Sahdev Yadav.One of the key issues on the agenda is the alleged "threatening letters" issued by Usha to executive committee members. The council will also discuss the scope of Usha's powers under the IOA Constitution and consider reporting her conduct to the IOA Ethics Commission.The meeting will also address issues related to the recent Paris Olympics, including sponsorship details, additional expenses incurred, and the accreditation process. The selection of Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) in November 2022 and their participation in IOA elections will also be discussed.The meeting was called by 12 council members, including senior vice president Ajay Patel, vice-president Rajalaxmi Singh Deo, and former Olympic medallist Gagan Narang. Notably, boxer M C Mary Kom and table tennis player A Sharath Kamal, who are on the IOA athletes commission, did not sign the document.The growing tensions between Usha and Yadav stem from a show cause notice issued by Usha to Yadav, challenging his eligibility to hold the post of treasurer. Yadav has threatened legal action against Usha for "defaming" his image.The IOA meeting is expected to be heated, with members likely to express their concerns and seek clarification on various issues. The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for the future of the IOA and its leadership.

The Delhi High Court has reinstated the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad hoc committee to oversee the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The decision came in response to a plea filed by renowned wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian.The court's interim order overturned the IOA's dissolution of the ad hoc committee, which was formed after the WFI's elections in December 2023. The court held that the IOA's decision was incompatible with the Union Sports Ministry's suspension of the WFI following the elections.Justice Sachin Datta rejected the petitioners' request to appoint a retired high court or Supreme Court judge as the WFI administrator. Instead, the court allowed the IOA to reconstitute the ad hoc committee with eminent sportspersons or experts who have experience in dealing with international federations.The wrestlers had protested at Jantar Mantar last year, demanding the arrest of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. They subsequently filed a petition in the high court to annul the WFI elections.The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, for allegedly violating its constitution. The IOA then formed an ad hoc committee to manage the WFI's affairs. However, the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted the suspension in February, prompting the IOA to dissolve its ad hoc committee on March 18.The court ruled that the UWW's lifting of the ban was unrelated to the Sports Ministry's suspension order and the formation of the ad hoc committee. It also stated that the Sports Ministry should not have adopted a passive approach that undermined its own orders.The court emphasized that the ad hoc committee will continue to manage the WFI's affairs until the Sports Ministry's suspension order is reviewed or recalled. It also noted that the Paris Olympic Games are over, and there is no reason for the ministry to delay a decision on the suspension order.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set his sights on hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India. In his Independence Day speech, he called upon Indian athletes to provide their insights and recommendations for the smooth hosting of the quadrennial extravaganza.The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has already initiated discussions with the Future Host Commission (FHC) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The FHC is responsible for evaluating potential host cities and making recommendations to the IOC Executive Board.PM Modi invited the entire Indian contingent from the Paris Olympics to join him for Independence Day celebrations at his residence in New Delhi. He emphasized the importance of their input, stating, "India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. In this regard, the input from athletes who have played in previous Olympics is very important."He urged the athletes to share their observations and experiences from previous Games, highlighting the need to document their insights and share them with the government. "We want to document this and share it with the government so that we don't miss out on any small details in the preparation for 2036," he said.PM Modi referred to the Indian contingent as an integral part of his "2036 team" and asked the sports ministry to draft a document and thoroughly consider player comments and suggestions. "In this way, you are an important part of my 2036 team, helping us host an Olympics like no other in the world," he added.He also encouraged the athletes to provide suggestions on how to improve Indian sports further. "Your feedback and suggestions are very important because it's your responsibility to guide those who will represent the country in the future," he said.The IOC's host selection process is rigorous and involves a detailed evaluation of potential host cities. The FHC engages in a dialogue with interested National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which progresses from a continuous dialogue to a targeted dialogue with selected NOCs.Once the FHC completes its evaluation, the IOC Executive Board holds an election to award the hosting rights for the Olympic Games.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed that wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has been dismissed. The decision, which came as a surprise to both Phogat and the IOA, was announced on Wednesday, August 16.According to IOA advocate Vidushpat Singhania, CAS has not provided a reason for dismissing Phogat's appeal. He added that the decision can be appealed against at the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days."No detailed order has come yet. Only a single-line order has come so far that her appeal has been dismissed. They have not cited a reason why it has been dismissed or why did they take so much time...We were both surprised and disappointed that a decision came last evening and her appeal was dismissed... We hope that the detailed order will come in 10-15 days... CAS decision can be appealed against at the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days. The 30-day time will begin after a detailed order comes. Harish Salve is with us, he will guide us. We will sit with him, draft an appeal and file it...," Singhania said.Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Tokyo Olympics on August 7 after exceeding the weight limit. She was found to be 100 grams over the limit during the weigh-in.Following her disqualification, Phogat appealed to CAS, requesting that she be awarded the silver medal. However, her appeal has now been dismissed.The verdict was originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, but was delayed to August 16. The decision was announced on Wednesday, August 16.Phogat's disqualification and subsequent appeal have been a major talking point in the Indian sporting community. Many have expressed support for Phogat, while others have questioned the fairness of the decision.The IOA has stated that it will continue to support Phogat and will explore all legal options available to her.