PT Usha faces new challenges in selecting a CEO amid ongoing disputes in the executive board

In a recent meeting, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha found herself at odds with the IOA Executive Council (EC) regarding the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO. Despite the majority of EC members expressing their dissent, Usha remained resolute, refusing to consider their calls for Iyer’s removal.

The meeting, convened to finalize Iyer’s appointment—a decision made on January 5—ended in a stalemate, highlighting ongoing internal tensions within the IOA. “They want to re-advertise the position and start the process all over again, which essentially indicates they don’t support this candidate,” Usha stated after the meeting. She emphasized that the previous CEO appointment process took two years, warning that restarting it could have severe implications for India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

Usha reaffirmed her commitment to reforming the IOA, stating, “I am not stepping down. I’ve informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about this situation.” Despite her concerns, the EC members, who met both in person and virtually, issued a joint statement rejecting Iyer’s appointment and calling for a new recruitment process.

The EC members clarified that the IOC views this as an internal IOA matter and would not intervene. Raghuram Iyer’s qualifications, including roles with IPL teams and other sporting leagues, have not alleviated the opposition against him.

During the meeting, all 12 EC members either in attendance or online expressed their disapproval of Iyer’s appointment, prompting the decision to advertise the CEO position again. Joint Secretary Kalyan Chaubey will continue to serve as acting CEO until a new appointment is made.

Usha pointed out that the EC had previously approved Iyer’s candidacy in January, with only salary discussions pending. The proposed salary of ₹20 lakh per month, along with other benefits, has become a contentious issue, yet Usha offered to renegotiate it, to no avail.

Usha further warned that the ongoing deadlock could jeopardize India’s Olympic ambitions. “Only after Iyer’s appointment did the Future Host Commission show willingness to engage with us. If we don’t demonstrate professionalism, how can we present a credible bid?” she questioned.

She also noted that the IOC had refrained from taking punitive measures against India prior to the Paris 2024 Olympics, a development she attributed to her leadership.

Both Iyer and Usha’s personal assistant have reportedly not received their salaries since their appointments.