New Delhi. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha defended her decision to appoint ad hoc committee for boxing, saying that the National Federation has failed to fulfill its ‘fundamental responsibilities’ in the last one year and their move was necessary to ‘restore and ensure proper administration’. Usha’s statement came in response to the letter of 28 February by IOA Vice President Gagan Narang. Former Olympic bronze winning shooter accused him of issuing ‘arbitrary’ orders and reducing the welfare of the players.
Narang is also a member of the IOA Executive Council. Despite the adjournment of the Delhi High Court on the order of the IOA, Usha is strongly maintained on her stand. On the petition filed by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), the court has issued a notice seeking response from the IOA. In response to Narang, Usha said, “… There is no truth in this claim that the players are suffering due to this decision or any alleged arbitrariness from me. The decision to appoint ad hoc committee was not arbitrary, but was an essential step to restore the system, ensure proper administration and prioritize the development of the players.
He said, “The unfortunate reality is that BFI has failed to fulfill its fundamental responsibilities including organizing the National Championship last year.” He said, “Asian Games (2026) are coming closer, in such a situation, identifying new talents, selecting promising boxers and implementing India’s medal possibilities and not making much effort to implement India’s medal possibilities and enforce India.”
Usha has been in dispute with members of the Executive Council on several issues for a long time. He has accused the members of the Executive Council of preferring ‘personal priorities’ rather than the overall good of Indian Games. Narang wrote a letter to him demanding withdrawal of his ‘arbitrary’ decision to form an ad hoc committee to operate BFI. The former shooter had said, “Our players have to face trouble due to such arbitrary order and we are being maligned at the domestic and international level”
IO one alleges that BFI failed to hold the National Federation election on time. The BFI termed the IOA’s decision as ‘illegal’ and filed a petition in the Delhi High Court to cancel the order. Narang also claimed that Usha’s decision to form an ad hoc committee for the operation of BFI was ‘without consulting or approval of the IOA’s Executive Committee’. He urged Usha to withdraw the order and call an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee to discuss various important issues. Usha alleged, “Unfortunately these efforts have been repeatedly thwarted by other members of the Executive Committee. These members have constantly blocked meaningful discussions. “He said,” I do not remember any incident when the Executive Committee has actively discussed the players’ performance to improve the performance of the players or enforce India’s ability to win medals. “