PT Usha, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president on Monday, fired a fresh salvo at her detractors, the 12 executive committee members.

In a statement Usha said it is "deeply concerning" that the executive committee members failed to honour Olympic medallists and accused the finance committee of blocking funds intended to support Indian athletes' preparation for the Paris Games.

India secured six medals, including two bronze by shooter Manu Bhaker, but Usha said the "EC does not want to celebrate their success" and it makes her "very sad."

"These athletes have made the nation proud, and it is the responsibility of the IOA to celebrate their achievements with the respect they deserve. It is deeply concerning that, even after returning home in mid-August, the EC has failed to discuss or take any steps towards organizing a formal felicitation ceremony," she said.

She revealed that a proposal for a preparatory grant of Rs 2 lakh for each Olympic-bound athlete and Rs 1 lakh for each coach had been blocked by the finance committee and association treasurer Sahdev Yadav.

"I strongly believe that this grant would have given our athletes and their coaches the support they needed in the crucial period leading up to the Olympic Games.

"The refusal to disburse these funds reflects a lack of understanding of the needs of athletes and shows a complete disregard for their preparation and well-being," she stated.

Highlighting the contrast with previous leadership, Usha pointed out that a successful felicitation ceremony was organised for the seven medallists from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, even amid the pandemic.

"If my predecessors could celebrate the achievements of our athletes during a global pandemic, what is stopping the current EC members from doing the same? These medallists have worked tirelessly to bring honour to our nation, and they deserve to be acknowledged."

Usha questioned the commitment of some EC members, particularly those who are former athletes.

"As someone who has represented India on the world stage, I understand the importance of recognising hard work, sacrifices, and victories of our athletes. It is disheartening to see that others in positions of power, especially those who have also worn the national colours, are failing to uphold this duty."

The IOA had planned to award each individual medallist between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore, with coaches receiving Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

SAI development

Sandip Pradhan’s tenure as Sports Authority of India (SAI) director general ended on Monday after more than five years at the helm and he was “relieved” from the post by the government. Sports secretary Sujata Chaturvedi has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of SAI DG with effect from Tuesday.

At a time when IOA's internal strife is at its worst, a change of guard at SAI becomes intriguing.