IOC Restores Funding to India After Governance Resolution

New Delhi, Sep 3 (PTI) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to reinstate its funding to India under the Olympic Solidarity Programme. This decision comes a year after the funding was halted due to internal disputes and governance issues within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The move follows the IOA's recent "corrective measures" to address these problems.

The IOC had previously stopped an annual grant of Rs 15 crore aimed at athlete development, due to prolonged infighting within the IOA. The conflict escalated when 12 Executive Council members refused to ratify the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as the IOA's CEO, citing concerns over his high salary.

A resolution was reached on July 24 this year, following intervention by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. A truce was called between IOA President PT Usha and the dissenting Executive Council members. Furthermore, a Special General Body Meeting (SGM) was convened to officially approve India's bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

"We took note of the various steps and corrective measures that have been taken over the past few weeks to resolve the internal disputes and governance issues within your NOC (National Olympic Committee)," noted James Macleod, Director of NOC Relations and Olympic Solidarity at the IOC, in a letter to Usha.

Macleod highlighted that "all outstanding internal issues and misunderstandings were discussed in a constructive and transparent manner," leading to a collective agreement to move forward in harmony. He also cited the formal ratification of Iyer's appointment as a positive development.

The appointment of Mr. Raghuram Iyer as the NOC CEO was officially ratified on July 24, 2025, and a subsequent General Assembly on August 13, 2025, successfully approved pending reports and audited financial statements.

"As a result, we are pleased to confirm that the IOC and Olympic Solidarity are now in a position to progressively resume all payments to your NOC and normalize the working relationship with your NOC," Macleod added in his letter.

The IOC also expressed hope that the IOA will maintain "the highest standards" of governance and integrity, in line with the principles guiding the Olympic Movement.

In response, the IOA expressed its satisfaction with the positive developments. "With the reinstatement of Olympic Solidarity programmes, India's athletes stand to be the greatest beneficiaries. The renewed support will provide direct funding and development opportunities for training, preparation, and participation in the Olympic Games and other major international competitions," the IOA stated.

The IOC commended the steps taken by the IOA and the Government of India to enhance the sporting ecosystem and support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions.

Macleod also referenced the National Sports Governance Act, which aims to establish a National Sports Board to oversee the funding and affiliation of national federations. "We trust that this new Act will contribute to good governance within Indian sports organizations and ensure adherence to the Olympic Charter and the statutes of the International Sports Federations," he noted.

The IOC pledged to continue supporting the development of rules and regulations derived from the new Act. "We will continue to support this joint work and constructive dialogue with your NOC and relevant authorities to ensure mutual understanding, productive collaboration, and compliance with the Olympic Charter," Macleod concluded.

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