In a strongly-worded letter to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha accused the sports ministry of interfering in the functioning of national federations, thereby undermining the credibility of sports governance. Usha cited multiple instances, including the disputed Indian Golf Union (IGU) elections, to back her claims.
Her letter followed the ministry’s criticism of the IOA for recognizing the IGU elections, won by the Harish Kumar Shetty-led faction. The ministry’s letter, dated January 2 and signed by the under secretary, stated that the IOA’s decision could cause “avoidable duplication and confusion” and may not hold up under legal scrutiny.
Responding to the ministry, Usha called the letter “procedurally incorrect” and accused the ministry staff of failing to properly inform the sports minister of key issues. She noted that the IOA recognized the Shetty faction after a thorough review of the election process, while the ministry backed the opposing faction despite quorum violations.
Usha explained that the Brijinder Singh-led faction’s meeting, held at the India Habitat Centre, failed to meet the quorum required under Article 22 of the IGU Constitution, as only 9 out of 31 State Golf Associations (SGAs) participated. In contrast, the Shetty-led faction’s meeting at