GTCC & IOA step in to prevent manipulation of competition in Taekwondo

The Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) of the 38th  National Games Uttarakhand has named S Dinesh Kumar as Taekwondo’s Director of  Competition replacing T Praveen Kumar after strong recommendations by a three-member  Prevention of Manipulation of Competition (PMC) Committee.  

GTCC Chairperson Sunaina Kumari said her colleagues and she had decided to accept the  recommendations of the three-man PMC panel. “It is important that we take on board the  recommendations of the PMC Committee and protect the integrity of the 38th National Games  Uttarakhand,” she said. 

“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,” she said.  

Backing the GTCC decision to replace the Director of Competition and change some technical  officials, Indian Olympic Association President Dr. PT Usha said it is 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.  

“It is shocking and said that National Games medals were allegedly decided away from the  field of play even before the start of competitions,” Dr. Usha said. “At the Indian Olympic  Association, 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.”  

Acting on complaints, the PMC Committee made four recommendations to prevent disputes  that could impact the conduct of the National Games because of unethical practices. The PMC  Committee included Mr. RK Sudanshu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand,  Mr. BK Sinha, IPS (retd.) and Mr. Dushyant Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu  and Kashmir.  

Its first recommendation was for IOA to change the Director of Competition with a suitable  candidate in consultation with the Games Technical Conduct Committee. Further, it suggested  to the IOA President that at least 50 per cent of the nominated Technical Officials be replaced  with duly qualified officials with international or national certification. 

The PMC Committee also recommended that the entire competition be recorded on video and  the footage preserved for reference should the need arise. Finally, 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.  

The PMC panel had considered complaints that some officials appointed by the Taekwondo  Federation of India had already fixed the outcome of matches in 10 of the 16 weight categories  long before the competition is due to start. “The asking price is Rs. 3 lakh for gold medal, Rs.  2 lakh for silver and Rs. 1 lakh for Bronze,” the IOA was informed.  

As many as 16 Kyorugi and 10 Poomsae competitions in Taekwondo would be held at the  Milam Hall in the Sports Complex in Haldwani from February 4 to 8.