New Delhi: Taekwondo’s director of competition has been expelled from the ongoing National Games on allegations of match fixing. The National Games’ technical conduct committee (GTCC) took the step after accusations of fixing in “10 of the 16 weight categories” even before commencement of the competition.
On recommendations of a three-member prevention of manipulation of competition committee (PMCC), the Sunaina Kumari-headed GTCC replaced T Praveen Kumar with S Dinesh Kumar as the competition’s new director.
“It is important that we take on board the recommendations of the PMC Committee and protect the integrity of the National Games Uttarakhand,” Kumari said in a statement on Monday.
“Besides receiving complaints against the erstwhile director of competition, we are also shocked to discover that he had named office-bearers and executive committee members of some state associations as well as someone who was an equipment vendor for the selection trials as sports specific volunteers.”
IOA chief Usha backs expulsion
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha supported the decision of eviction.
“Important for all stakeholders to uphold the spirit of sport and give all competitors a fair chance to showcase their talent on the biggest stage in the country,” she said in a statement.
“It is shocking and sad that the National Games medals were allegedly decided away from the field of play even before the start of competitions.
“At the IOA, we are committed to being fair to all our athletes and protect them from people conniving to manipulate the competition and tarnish the image of the National Games.”
The IOA said that some officials appointed by the Taekwondo Federation of India fixed the outcome of matches “in 10 of the 16 weight categories long before the competition is due to start” with asking price kept at Rs 3 lakh for gold medal, Rs 2 lakh for silver and Rs 1 lakh for bronze.
“The PMC Committee also recommended that the entire competition be recorded on video and the footage preserved for reference. should the need arise,” IOA said in a statement.
“The panel said that a team of officials nominated by the GTCC should be present at the venue throughout the competition to reduce the scope of manipulation and give all athletes a fair chance at winning medals.”
Some officials appointed by the Taekwondo Federation of India fixed the outcome of National Games matches “in 10 of the 16 weight categories long before the competition is due to start”. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
