PT Usha Accused Of Spreading "Blatant Lies" On Olympic Medallists' Felicitation By IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav

Indian Olympic Association Treasurer Sahdev Yadav on Tuesday hit back at president PT Usha for claiming that IOA Executive Committee members were not agreeing on a proposal to felicitate Paris Olympics medal-winners, saying her assertion is a "blatant lie". Usha on Monday said that it was "deeply concerning" that the EC members failed to honour Olympic medallists and accused the Finance Committee of blocking funds intended to support Indian athletes' preparation for the Paris Games.

In a rebuttal to Usha's claims, Sahdev said, "... there has been no discussion with EC members nor any official proposal in writing for organizing a felicitation ceremony for the medallists of Paris Olympics 2024." Sahdev, who is also the president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation, accused Usha of "spreading lies" and "cooking up" things instead of taking responsibilities as per the IOA constitution.

"...we fail to understand why IOA President is spreading lies across the whole country, to put down the EC members, which does not have any proof nor hold any genuine ground," he said.

"... her repeated efforts and proposals are nothing but blatant lies which has been cooked by the President every now and then and shedding crocodile tears in front of the media." India secured six medals in the Paris Olympics, including two historic bronze finishes by young shooter Manu Bhaker, but Usha on Monday 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