Why infighting within the IOA could derail India's Olympic hosting hopes

IOA has seen critical functioning issues recently.

As India sets its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, internal turmoil within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) threatens to wear away the goal that has become akin with India’s growing sports aspiration.

The organization’s current leadership crisis which is now centered around the controversial appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer has exposed some deep-rooted governance issues that could put at risk of India’s chances of securing the event.

A House Divided

IOA’s inner squabble finally spilled out into the open early in 2024 when the sports legend, also the president of the same organisation, PT Usha got herself at loggerheads with some members of the Executive Council over a contention the selection and subsequent ratification process of Chief Executive Officer, Raghuram Iyer.

His process of selection and compensation deal have also become issues of keen debates within the organisation. This conflict has effectively crippled the operations of the IOA and made critical decisions lie in limbo.

Most perturbing is the lack of movement on the part of the organization in taking decisive preparatory steps for India’s 2036 Olympics bid. No functioning committee on the part of India was in place, with lines of communication with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lying dormant, rendering Indian Olympic aspirations precariously poised in the balance.

Financial Fallout

The warning from the IOC comes across in not allocating close to €1 million in funds every year from Olympic Solidarity. The immediate consequence is observed on developing athlete programs, while a more severe concern raised is whether the IOA could run an event as vast as the Olympics.

The financial woes of the organization are not only in international funding. The “running into crores” of dues pending yet are partly because the matters of payments have not been ratified by the Executive Council in their meeting. This is quite a serious red flag for the IOC, who put so much emphasis on a host nation’s fiscal responsibility and organizational competence.

Also Read: IOA expresses concern after incurring financial losses allegedly due to treasurer’s non-compliance

Impact on Athletic Excellence

Perhaps the first casualties of this administrative logjam are Indian athletes. Consider the case of skier Arif Khan himself. Training funds are still stuck because of the government’s deadlock on administrative hurdles for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Even more telling is the IOA’s failure to properly felicitate Olympic medalists more than six weeks after their achievements at the Paris Games which is a clear indication of organizational dysfunction.

International Credibility at Stake

Internal conflicts within the IOA couldn’t have come at a worse time for India’s Olympic aspirations. The bidding process for the 2036 Games demands unity of purpose, vision, and capability. Instead, possible IOC evaluators see an organization mired in

• Leadership disputes that have reached public forums
• Financial mismanagement leading to international sanctions
• Delayed decision-making affecting athlete preparation
• Absence of clear communication channels with international bodies

Path to Resolution

For India’s Olympic dreams to remain viable, the IOA must take immediate steps to address its internal challenges:

1. Establish clear governance protocols for executive appointments
2. Create transparent financial reporting mechanisms
3. Form a dedicated bid committee with appropriate authority
4. Restore communication channels with the IOC
5. Implement robust dispute resolution procedures

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