New Delhi: The sports ministry has expressed strong disapproval regarding the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha's recognition of the Indian Golf Union (IGU) elections conducted by the faction led by Harish Kumar Shetty. The ministry has urged the IOA to comply with its constitution and the National Sports Code.

The IGU elections have faced scrutiny due to the occurrence of two separate elections overseen by different returning officers on December 15. While the sports ministry has acknowledged the elections that resulted in Brijinder Singh's re-election as president, IOA president Usha extended recognition to the Shetty faction following a review of the two Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and elections.

On Thursday, the sports ministry raised concerns regarding Usha's decision, questioning whether it had received the endorsement of the IOA executive committee or its affiliation committee.

“It has come to the attention of this Ministry that the President, IOA, issued a letter of recognition on 30/12/2024 to another elected body, providing specific reasons to justify this action. It remains unclear whether the IOA Executive Committee and/or the relevant IOA Affiliation Committee have thoroughly examined the matter in accordance with established legal provisions and norms, including the IGU’s constitution and the Sports Code.

“Such actions by the IOA lead to unnecessary duplication and confusion, which may not hold up under legal examination,” stated the sports ministry in its two-page correspondence to the IOA.

The sports ministry acknowledged the Singh-led IGU based on reports from its observers and the recognition of the elections by the International Golf Federation on its official website.

Arbitrary Decision: IOA Executive Council

It has been reported that several members of the IOA executive council have already communicated with the sports ministry, indicating that they were not consulted regarding the IGU affiliation, deeming it an “arbitrary” decision made by Usha.

The IOA is currently facing a crisis, with Usha and the executive board members in conflict. An emergency executive committee meeting convened in September to discuss the appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer proved to be contentious.

Read Also: Teammate Left Baffled as Konstas Engages in Tense Confrontation with Bumrah

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!