Fresh representation seeks update on complaints against Odisha Gymnastics Association

KOLKATA: A fresh representation has been submitted to Odisha Sports Department seeking an action-taken report on complaints filed against Odisha Gymnastics Association (OGA) earlier this year. The latest letter, which is in possession of TOI, received by the department on October 28, seeks details on whether any inquiry or verification has been conducted and what action has been taken so far on the allegations.The original complaint had questioned the sanction of Rs 1.96 crore and release of Rs 98 lakh by the state govt to OGA for conducting the National Gymnastics Championships.It alleged governance irregularities, non-conduct of elections for several years, lack of transparency, alleged age-fraud cover-ups and financial irregularities within the association. The complaint had also raised concerns over the continued use of the name of late OGA president Samir Dey in official correspondence submitted to authorities.Questions were also raised over the association’s compliance with National Sports Code, its recognition status and utilisation of public funds released for the event.Sources told TOI that the complaints were subsequently referred to Odisha Olympic Association (OOA), which was asked to constitute a committee to examine the allegations. While the status of the committee’s findings could not be immediately ascertained, the latest representation seeks an update on the progress of the probe and any action taken by the authorities.Notably, when contacted by TOI following the original complaint, OGA general secretary Ashok Sahoo, whose signature appeared on the invoice submitted to Sports & Youth Services Department, had admitted that the use of the deceased president’s name in official documents was an oversight.In his fresh representation, complainant Balunkeswar Sahoo urged the department to disclose the action taken on the earlier complaint. “This matter concerns public interest and the proper utilisation of govt resources and therefore requires urgent and transparent action,” the representation stated.The sports department is yet to officially comment on the latest representation.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.