Athletes Commission is ‘voice of athletes’, it tells IOA

The Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) Athletes Commission (AC) has written to IOA president PT Usha emphasising that the body is the "voice of athletes" and that it is committed to ensure that “the rights of athletes are upheld.”

This comes after the AC could not release a statement on April 29 showing solidarity with the protesting wrestlers, raising questions over its autonomy. In its latest communication to IOA, it has also sent a statement on the protesting wrestlers.

“As per IOA constitution, AC is elected every four years by athletes, and its primary role is to represent the interest of athletes and be their voice in IOA. We strongly believe that regular consultation between AC and IOA is essential in ensuring that the voice of athletes is heard and their interests are represented,” its letter to IOA said. “AC is also the official channel for any information/ feedback/consultation with the athletes’ community. As the apex body, AC is committed to ensuring that athletes’ rights are upheld and their interests are represented, which in turn will benefit IOA.”

It recommended to the IOA that it adopt the “Universal Declaration of athletes’ rights and responsibilities as mandated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to protect the rights and welfare of our athletes.”

“We hope that this letter provides an insight into the role of the Athletes Commission and its relationship with IOA,” it said, expressing hope that the impasse related to the wrestlers’ protest is resolved as per the law of the land.

The 10-member AC’s statement on the wrestlers said it was “unanimously and deeply concerned” that athletes, including Olympic and world medallists, have “levelled serious allegations against the national federation, WFI, ranging from sexual harassment, sports code violations and ethics.

“As the newly elected apex body created to deal with athletes’ issues, the IOA AC is here to represent the concerns of athletes and shall strive to put systems in place to regain the faith of the athlete community, ensuring their due respect, carry their voice in official forums and provide counselling and support,” said the statement signed by vice-chairperson and table tennis stalwart, Achanta Sharath Kamal.

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