In October 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a resounding declaration before the International Olympic Committee (IOC), committing India to leave ‘no stone unturned’ in its pursuit to host the 2036 Olympics. However, a year later, that ambitious goal seems to be in jeopardy as internal disputes within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have stalled progress.
The crux of the issue lies in the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as the CEO of IOA, a decision made in January 2024 by the Nomination Committee led by IOA President PT Usha, boxing legend MC Mary Kom, and IOC member Nita Ambani. Iyer, a seasoned sports administrator, was selected for the vital role, but his appointment has become a flashpoint for conflict. The IOA’s Executive Council has yet to ratify his position, citing dissatisfaction with Usha’s “arbitrary decision-making” and Iyer’s Rs 3 crore salary package as significant sticking points.
The rift has escalated to the point where key meetings within the IOA, including a critical session in September 2024, have ended without resolution. In a letter dated October 3, 2024, Usha called for a Special General Meeting on October 25, warning that the ongoing discord threatens to derail India’s Olympic ambitions.
Sources from within the IOA admit that communication with the IOC has come to a standstill since the Paris 2024 Olympics. Though India had sent a delegation to the Games and actively engaged in the IOC’s future host city programme, there has been no further dialogue since the infighting began. The IOC, when asked, refrained from commenting on the specific situation but emphasized that the IOA must urgently resolve its governance issues.
The delays have cast a shadow on India’s bid, with no official host city named, despite significant investments by the Gujarat government in Ahmedabad’s infrastructure. The IOA’s inability to finalize the CEO appointment, a critical figure in forming a bid committee to engage with IOC members, has raised doubts about India’s readiness to move forward with its Olympic campaign.
As tensions within the IOA persist, the dream of bringing the 2036 Olympics to India now hangs in the balance.
