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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.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is facing internal turmoil as President PT Usha has yet to receive a letter requesting an emergency meeting to address pressing issues. Eleven of the 15 Executive Committee (EC) members had raised concerns about the "arbitrary" functioning of CEO Raghu Ram Iyer and Usha's executive assistant, Ajay Narang.Usha, however, claims she has not received the letter and alleges that the EC members prevented business from being transacted at the March 28 meeting by refusing to allow video recording. She emphasizes that her decisions prioritize athletes' comfort.Regarding hotel and ticket bookings, Usha states that despite the IOC's mandate to complete bookings by August 2023, no action was taken until she intervened. She claims that the IOA failed to release advances for apartment complex bookings for extra team officials, resulting in the lapse of the booking.Similarly, the IOA's booking for golfers lapsed due to non-payment. In the case of shooting, the IOA assisted the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in securing funds from the sports ministry to pay the advance for the venue, which is located 300 kilometers from Paris.Usha also highlights that two members of the three-member committee formed to oversee Olympic arrangements made themselves unavailable, preventing the appointment of replacements. She accuses the EC members of obstructing the smooth functioning of the IOA.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is facing a crisis as the executive committee (EC) has called for an emergency meeting to address urgent issues with president PT Usha. The EC members have raised concerns over the arbitrary functioning of CEO Raghuram Iyer and Ajay Narang, Usha's executive assistant.The logjam has affected the functioning of the IOA, with financial bills being held up and preparations for the Paris Olympics in jeopardy. The EC members have pointed to the resignation of two senior members, Raj Laxmi Singh Deo and Sahdev Yadav, due to a lack of information and arbitrary actions by Iyer and Narang.The EC has alleged that the duo is making unauthorized hotel and ticket bookings, granting unapproved accreditations, and spending IOA funds without following due processes. They have also expressed concerns over the appointment of Iyer as CEO, which they claim was illegal and unconstitutional.The EC members have demanded that Usha consult them on key appointments, such as the chef-de-mission for the Paris Olympics, and make decisions as per the IOA constitution. They have also reiterated their opposition to Iyer's appointment and Narang's contract.Usha has defended her actions, claiming that Iyer was appointed through proper procedures and that Narang is her executive assistant. However, the EC members maintain that they were not consulted on Iyer's appointment and that Narang's contract is a violation of the IOA constitution.The crisis within the IOA has raised concerns about the preparations for the Paris Olympics. The EC members have urged Usha to address the issues urgently and ensure that the athletes are well-prepared for the Games.