Latest news with #IOA
News18
4 hours ago
- Business
- News18
IOA Conflict Nears Resolution As EC Members Prepare To Ratify CEO Appointment
Last Updated: The Indian Olympic Association's power struggle nears resolution as EC members plan to ratify Raghuram Iyer's CEO appointment, ending discord with President PT Usha. A long-standing power struggle within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appears to be approaching resolution. The majority of Executive Council (EC) members—who have been at odds with IOA President PT Usha—are expected to ratify the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO, a move that could signal the end of months of internal discord. The conflict stems from Usha's January 2024 appointment of Iyer as CEO, which faced resistance from EC members due to the Rs 20 lakh per month salary proposed for the position, along with additional perks. The EC refused to endorse the appointment, leading to a stalemate that stalled IOA operations. Despite a stormy Executive Council meeting in September 2024, attended virtually by a representative of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), no breakthrough was achieved at the time. According to a source familiar with the situation, the sports ministry has played a key role in facilitating a resolution. 'The EC members have agreed to ratify Iyer's appointment and it's likely to be announced on Thursday," the source told PTI. In preparation, the EC members plan to hold an informal meeting on Wednesday evening, followed by a joint press conference on Thursday, where both Usha and most EC members are expected to appear. A Rapprochement in the Works An EC member emphasized the need for a functional relationship moving forward: 'There will have to be at least a working relationship [between Usha and the EC members], so a rapprochement process has started," the member said. 'We are doing it for the good of Indian sport, especially in view of the fact that we are hoping to host the 2036 Olympics." Administrative Paralysis and IOC Pressure The internal conflict has severely hampered the IOA's operations. There has been no Executive Council meeting since September 2024 and no Annual General Body Meeting since March 2023. Following PT Usha's election as IOA president, the association delayed the appointment of a CEO, a position mandated by its constitution. The delay prompted repeated warnings from the IOC, eventually leading to Iyer's appointment. However, 12 EC members refused to ratify the decision, leading to a prolonged deadlock. Usha had previously stated that Iyer had been working without pay, as his appointment remained unratified. (with PTI inputs) view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Sports Governance Bill to be tabled in Parliament
CHENNAI: The much-awaited Sports Bill is set to see daylight soon. As reported by this newspaper, the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 is set to be tabled on Wednesday. The Bill will usher in a new era in sports governance in the country. The sports ministry will introduce the bill. As pointed out by this newspaper, the high point would be one set of rules that would govern all sporting bodies (National Sports Bodies — NSB) unlike what the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) or the National Sports Federations (NSFs) are following at the moment. As per drafts bills that had been in circulation earlier, all the sports federations, IOA, the NSFs, the Paralympic Committees and regional sports associations have been categorised under one head -- NSB. The Bill would look to bring in uniformity transparency and accountability in all NSBs. The Bill is expected to constitute a National Sports Board that will give recognition to the NSBs. The board will monitor everything from governance, accountability to transparency. It has to power to grant recognition like what the sports ministry does right now and would have the power to strip recognition as well. Apart from the NSB, there would be an election panel that would look after elections of the sports bodies. As reported by this newspaper, even cricket would be part of it because it being a sports body and also that now it is part of the Olympics, it should be governed by the Olympic Charter. However, it needs to be seen if they would want to be following the provisions of the Bill. The Bill considers all sports organisations as a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005 with respect to the exercise of its functions, duties and powers and this could be a sticky subject for the BCCI. The sports ministry has indicated that all sports bodies including cricket will be governed by the Act when implemented but it needs to be seen how much the BCCI would like to follow. The National Sports Tribunal that will decide matters relating to sports body disputes could be the other issue. The BCCI's argument had always been that they are not funded by the government. The BCCI is right now following the Lodha Recommendations as directed by the Supreme Court. But if the Bill is passed and eventually becomes an act, technically BCCI should come under it. Another issue could be the provision in the Bill that would mandate even the state associations to follow the provisions if enacted. Even the age cap will be interesting. According to the Bill, those eligible to apply would by the ones below 70 on the last date of nomination. And they can continue for four years or age limit of 75 years. Earlier age cap was 70. Anti-doping Act Along with the Sports Governance Bill, the ministry is going to table the National Anti-Doping Act that needed modification after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) objected to certain provisions. The National Anti-Doping Bill was passed in the Parliament in 2022. In fact, the Act was published in the Gazette of India. According to the Gazette of India, 'The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the 12th August, 2022 and is hereby published for general information…' Interestingly, the WADA had objected to forming a board that would ostensibly look like government interference. The Act has been reworked as per WADA's advice.
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sports minister Mandaviya to meet Usha, EC members to resolve IOA impasse
New Delhi: Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya will meet the Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and executive committee members to discuss ways to end the long-standing governance crisis in the apex sports body, it has been learnt. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, sports minister Mansukh Mandviya and IOA President PT Usha. (PTI) Usha and the EC members have been at loggerheads and that has severely impacted IOA's functioning. The EC has not ratified the appointment of Usha-backed CEO Raghuram Iyer. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) raised the governance issue with the Indian delegation that went to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne recently to discuss India's bid for the 2036 Olympics. Due to the governance issues, IOC has suspended its Olympic Solidarity grants to IOA. In the last few days, Mandaviya has made attempts to bring Usha and EC members to the negotiating table. He has held informal meetings with the EC members. It has been learnt that Usha too has reached out to a few EC members in her bid to break the ice. As reported by HT, the IOA truce started with Usha including treasurer Sahdev Yadav and EC member Bhupender Bajwa in a panel to set a roadmap for the delayed Boxing Federation of India (BFI) elections. Iyer, too, has spoken to some EC members. An official said his appointment is likely to be ratified now with certain renegotiations. 'A middle way is being worked out to break the deadlock,' the member said.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
National Sports Board Gains Extensive Powers Despite Name Change In New Bill
Last Updated: The Sports Governance Bill proposes a National Sports Board to oversee federations, plus a Sports Election Panel and Tribunal. The upcoming Sports Governance Bill, although shedding the term 'regulatory," is set to establish a National Sports Board fully appointed by the central government. This board will have extensive powers to suspend recognition of federations based on complaints or 'its own motion" for violations such as electoral irregularities and financial misappropriation. The bill, scheduled for discussion in Parliament during the monsoon session starting Monday, makes a compromise on the contentious issue of age limits for administrators. It allows those aged between 70 and 75 to contest elections if their respective international bodies do not object. The proposed National Sports Board (NSB) aims to create a rigorous system of accountability, likely diminishing the influence of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which has been plagued by factionalism and infighting. The NSB will consist of a chairperson and members appointed by the central government from 'amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing." These individuals are expected to have 'special knowledge or practical experience in public administration, sports governance, sports law, and related fields." As indicated in the draft released last year, the Board will have the authority to grant recognition to National Sports Federations and establish ad-hoc panels to manage individual sports if an NSF is suspended. It will also collaborate with International Sports Bodies for athlete welfare in India and issue guidelines ensuring compliance with international standards. Currently, these responsibilities fall under the IOA, which serves as the nodal body for NSF-related matters. The Board can de-recognise a national body that fails to hold elections for its Executive Committee or commits 'gross irregularities in election procedures." Additionally, failure to publish annual audited accounts or misuse of public funds may lead to suspension, though consultation with the relevant global body is required before proceeding. The IOA strongly opposed the Board during the consultation stage, labeling it as government interference potentially leading to sanctions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has affirmed that the IOC was duly consulted during the drafting process. Maintaining a harmonious relationship with the IOC is vital for India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. What Is National Sports Election Panel? The bill also proposes a National Sports Election Panel comprising retired members of the Election Commission or State Election Commission or retired Chief Electoral Officers of the states or Deputy Election Commissioners. NSFs would be permitted to appoint an electoral officer from this panel to oversee their elections. What Is National Sports Tribunal? To prevent sports-related matters from becoming litigation, a National Sports Tribunal is suggested to provide 'independent, speedy, effective, and cost-efficient resolution of sports-related disputes." The tribunal will have a chairperson and two other members, with the head being a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court. The central government will appoint members based on the recommendations of a committee led by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the CJI. The government will also have the power to remove members in case of violations, including financial irregularities and actions detrimental to 'public interest." tags : sports view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
New National Sporting Governance Bill Will 'Will Usher In New Sporting Culture', Opines Kiren Rijiju
Last Updated: The 53-year-old Lok Sabha MP opined that the new bill will prove to be a watershed moment in the history of Indian sports. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed that the National Sports Governance Bill, which is set to be tabled on Monday, would pave the way for a revolution in the culture of sports in India. The 53-year-old Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal, who was the union sports minister for two years between 2019 and 2021, opined that the new bill will prove to be a watershed moment in the history of Indian sports. 'It's a historic bill coming for the sporting community," Rijiju said. Rijiju went on to thank the Honourable Prime Minister of the nation, Shri. Narendra Modi, for his ardent encouragement of athletes. 'I must thank Prime Minister Narendra Modiji for having such a visionary idea about transforming the sports sector," he said. 'There are two other things — the Khelo Bharat Niti and the anti-doping amendment bill," he added. 'Once the new sports bill is passed, it will usher in a new sporting culture in the country," he declared. 'Khelo India has already promoted sports culture in the country," Rijiju concluded. The bill aims to establish a framework for effective governance within the National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). It calls for the creation of a regulatory board with the authority to grant recognition and allocate funding to NSFs based on their compliance with good governance practices. This regulatory board will also be tasked with ensuring adherence to the highest standards of governance, financial management, and ethics. Over several years of extensive discussions, the NSFs have been included, especially following Mandaviya's appointment last year. Additionally, the bill proposes the formation of Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to enhance transparency in governance and reduce litigation, which often results in conflicts between athletes and administrators on matters such as selection and elections. The IOA has opposed the bill, arguing that the establishment of a regulatory board would undermine its role as the central body for all NSFs. Current IOA President P T Usha has warned that such government interference could risk India's suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, Mandaviya has emphasized that the IOC was consulted during the drafting of the proposed legislation, which is crucial as India is aiming to host the Olympics in 2036. Rijiju, who advocated for the autonomy of sports administrators with increased accountability during his tenure in the sports ministry, expressed confidence in the smooth passage of the bill through Parliament. The anti-doping act, initially passed in 2022, faced implementation delays due to objections from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA raised concerns about the establishment of a National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports, which was given the authority to make recommendations to the government on anti-doping regulations. The board, to consist of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the central government, was also granted oversight of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the power to issue directives to it. WADA rejected these provisions, citing government interference in an autonomous body. Consequently, the amended bill has removed this provision to comply with WADA standards. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
