Odisha gymnastics under scanner over use of deceased prez name to get funds

KOLKATA: Following the successful hosting of the Junior & Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championships in Bhubaneswar earlier this month, the Odisha Gymnastics Association (OGA) has come under scrutiny after the name of a deceased individual continued to appear as president on official documents used to correspond with the government and access funds.According to a complaint, a copy of which is with TOI, received by the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department from Balunkeswar Sahoo on May 27, Samir Dey’s name continues to appear on OGA letterhead although he passed away in Nov 2024.

“On the letterhead of Odisha Gymnastics Association (that were) used to make submissions to your department, the name of Samir Dey is mentioned as the president. However, Samir Dey passed away in November 2024 — over 1.5 years ago,” states the letter.When contacted, OGA general secretary Ashok Sahoo, whose signature appears on the invoice sent to the Sports and Youth Services Department, admitted it was an oversight.“Dhiren Kumar Panda has been functioning as the in-charge of the association. The only oversight on my part was that the president’s name was not officially changed. Apart from that, I have devoted many years to this work,” said Sahoo, who has been the secretary of OGA since 2006 and is currently in his fifth 4-year term that began in 2022.

Meanwhile, sources in the Sports and Youth Services Department said: “We have received the complaint and, after a thorough verification, will take necessary action.”The issue gains further significance in the backdrop of substantial government funding. According to documents in possession of TOI, the state sanctioned over Rs 1.96 crore to the association for hosting the national championships, of which Rs 98 lakh has already been released, alongside separate central assistance of Rs 50 lakh for the event held between April 25 and May 3.Flagging concerns over an allegedly inflated budget, the complaint further states: “It is believed that staff working as consultants in your department prepare such budgets for state associations and get them approved from competent authorities for a huge commission, without any verification.”In view of these concerns, the complainant has urged the department to conduct an independent inquiry into the functioning of the OGA, examine its recognition and compliance with the National Sports Code, and scrutinise the financial assistance extended to it.Citing concerns over transparency, public funds and the interests of athletes, he has called for urgent action in the larger public interest.