PT Usha Addresses Hostile Standoff With IOA Members Over Appointment Of CEO

PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), spoke to OneIndia about the ongoing controversy surrounding the appointment of Raghu Iyer as the CEO of the IOA. The controversy stems from repeated delays and internal disagreements within the Executive Committee (EC) over the selection process, despite constitutional requirements.

This conflict is rooted in the procedural complications and disagreements that have arisen during the CEO selection process, a requirement under the recently adopted IOA constitution.

Speaking exclusively to Oneindia, Usha explained that the IOA's new constitution mandates appointing a CEO within two months, with strict eligibility criteria: candidates must have 10 years of experience and have worked with companies with a ₹25 crore turnover.

The process to fill the CEO position initially did not see many applicants, which led to discontent among the EC members. Some suggested postponing the hiring process further or even changing the constitution without consulting the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

This caught the eye of the IOC and the Prime Minister's Office in India, prompting the IOA to re-advertise the role. Raghu Iyer emerged as the chosen candidate from among 11 applicants after what was described as a transparent selection process. Nonetheless, his appointment faced opposition from the EC, particularly over concerns about the proposed salary package.

During a crucial EC meeting attended by 10 members, a unanimous decision was taken not to ratify Iyer's appointment. This decision was made despite Usha's proposal to renegotiate Iyer's salary package.

The members called for a re-initiation of the selection process, setting new criteria for the candidates. This move reflects the deep-seated divisions within the IOA regarding the appointment and the broader issue of compensation.

The friction between Usha and the EC, notably led by senior vice-president Ajay Patel, escalated during a meeting that failed to resolve Iyer's confirmation as CEO. Instead, the meeting veered off course due to demands to address additional items on the agenda. The situation was closely monitored by Jerome Poivey, the head of the NOC Relations Department of the IOC, through a virtual conference, indicating the level of international focus on the IOA's internal discord.

Usha has lambasted the EC members for their inability to finalize Iyer's appointment and for their changing demands. She underscored the critical need for a CEO to ensure the IOA's smooth operation, particularly as India prepares its bid for the Olympics. Despite facing obstacles, Usha remains determined to adhere to the constitutional guidelines for appointing a CEO.

Following Usha's exit from the contentious meeting, the remaining EC members took it upon themselves to name Kalyan Chaubey, the IOA's joint secretary, as the acting CEO. This decision was formalized in the meeting's minutes, which were disseminated without Usha's consent. This ongoing feud within the IOA highlights the difficulties in achieving a harmony between professional management and the organization's internal governance, especially as it gears up for upcoming international competitions.

Usha further added that professional leadership is crucial, especially as India prepares its Olympic bid for 2036. The appointment of Raghu Iyer, she believes, is a necessary step toward ensuring that the IOA functions efficiently, especially with regard to upcoming major international events.