Indian Para Athletes File Complaints Against IOA Staff for Misconduct

Following their achievements at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Indian para athletes Dilip Mahadu Gavit and Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi have filed formal complaints against a member of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) staff. The complaints were submitted to the sports ministry and the IOA, alleging disrespectful behavior towards the athletes.

The complaints were made separately by Gavit, Morssinganakathi, and their coach Pushpa NP, who was part of the Indian delegation. Reports indicate that Rahul Swami, the CEO of the Paralympic Committee of India, also submitted a similar complaint. The individual named in the complaints is Sarvesh Kedia, an IOA media committee member who was present in Glasgow as a press attaché.

The incident in question occurred on July 30, after Gavit set a Games record by winning gold in the men's T47 100m event. Tensions escalated between Kedia and chief para athletics coach Satyanarayana regarding media interactions for the athletes, leading to a heated argument and a brief physical confrontation. This incident has prompted the athletes and coaches to seek action against Kedia to prevent future interactions with para athletics media.