The announcement for the next year’s National Games in Uttarakhand has been made. The dates have been revealed it has sparked a fresh controversy. It has been between Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and its executive committee members. Usha has announced the dates for the 38th edition of the Games (January 28-February 14). As well as the formation of ‘important committees’ to oversee its preparation and execution.
According to PT Usha’s letter to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on November 6. Five committees were named, including the Games Technical Conduct Committee. It is chaired by Sunaina Kumari of the Bowling Federation of India. However, none of the EC members who disagree with Usha serve on any of the five panels, which are mostly made up of officials from various national sports federations and state Olympic authorities.
On January 12, 2023, IOA joint secretary and then acting CEO Kalyan Chaubey told the director-sports, Uttarakhand, in a letter stating the IOA has determined that its joint secretary Alaknanda Ashok. This was discussed during an EC meeting in Meerut headed by Usha to address the postponement of the games. The conference was held one month following the IOA elections. However, EC member Alaknanda is not on any of the committees mentioned by PT Usha.
PT Usha using presidential rule
Power Struggle at the Top? PT Usha slammed Alaknanda and other EC members for violating the Sports Code by holding committee positions. The president of the IOA summoned a Special General Meeting to debate and vote on the contentious topic of CEO Raghu Iyer’s nomination, but she later postponed the meeting. Alaknanda has also stated that the former athlete’s decision to constitute an ad hoc committee for the Tripura Olympic Association was made unilaterally.
An EC member said, “There is confusion regarding the dates as well. The letter issued by Usha while conveying the proposed dates for the Games also mentions that there will be a need to alter the dates as India will participate in the Asian Winter Games (February 7-14). Why are you creating so much confusion for everyone? It will hamper preparations.”
