In a strongly-worded letter, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has accused the Sports Ministry of interfering in the affairs of national federations and thus “undermining the credibility of sports governance,” citing multiple examples, including the contentious Indian Golf Union elections, to support her claims.Close on the heels of the ministry pulling up the IOA for recognizing the Indian Golf Union (IGU) elections won by the Harish Kumar Shetty-led faction, Usha said Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is not being “properly apprised” of various important issues concerning national federations, including the contentious IGU polls. In a letter dated January 2 and signed by the under secretary, the Ministry said the IOA’s act of according recognition to Shetty’s faction can “create avoidable duplication and confusion” which may not withstand legal scrutiny.In her reply addressed to Mandaviya, Usha said: “The manner in which this letter has been issued appears procedurally incorrect and reflects a lack of verification of the facts on record and a complete non-application of mind by the Under Secretary.”
