"Some EC members have cases of sexual harassment against them"- PT Usha makes shocking allegations on IOA executive council
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha has made serious allegations on the IOA executive council (EC). In a hard-hitting rebuttal to the EC's latest remarks on her, Usha released an official statement accusing the EC members of being 'indifferent to the aspirations of athletes'.
The relationship between EC and PT Usha has been strained, and the statement has only added more fuel. Usha believes some members are focused only on 'self-serving power play' and 'monetary gain'.
"In my 45-year-long career as a sportsperson representing India... I have never encountered individuals so indifferent to the aspirations of our athletes and our nation's sporting future... these individuals seem more focused on self-serving power play and monetary gain through their prolonged presence and control in sports administration," Usha said (via The Telegraph).
Usha also accused several members of the EC of being involved in sexual harassment cases among other wrongdoings. The former Olympian feels it is 'essential' for her to shed light on the matter.
"Further, it is essential to bring to light that some of these EC members have very questionable track records, including allegations of gender bias and even cases of sexual harassment filed against them," she added.
IOA EC members accuse PT Usha of running the organization in an 'autocratic' manner
PT Usha's wrath comes on the back of a recent letter written by certain EC members accusing her of being 'autocratic'. On Saturday, September 28, 12 members of the council sent a letter to the Head of Institutional Relations and Governance at the IOC, Jerome Poivey.
In the letter, the members alleged that Usha is not very democratic in her role as the chief. They claim that she instead follows more of a 'my way or high way' approach while running the organization.
The likes of senior vice president Ajay H Patel and vice presidents Rajlaxmi Deo and Gagan Narang signed the letter. However, in the same statement, PT Usha has disregarded the claims as 'malicious'.