DEHRADUN: The Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) of the 38th
National Games Uttarakhand
on Monday removed the
taekwondo
competition director over allegations of “match and
medal fixing
“. The decision followed an inquiry into complaints that officials had predetermined results in 10 of 16 weight categories, allegedly selling gold, silver, and bronze medals for Rs 3 lakh, Rs lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively.
T Praveen Kumar
, the competition director, was removed based on “strong recommendations” from the three-member
Prevention of Manipulation of Competition
(PMC) committee. The panel – comprising R K Sudhanshu (principal secretary, Uttarakhand), B K Sinha (IPS, retd.), and Dushyant Sharma (SSP, J&K) – reviewed complaints and submitted its findings. “Based on credible information from various sources, we made recommendations to the GTCC,” a PMC member told TOI.
GTCC chairperson Sunaina Kumari confirmed the decision, saying, “To maintain the integrity of the Games, we have accepted the PMC’s recommendations.” The panel also found that Kumar had appointed office-bearers, state association executives, and an equipment vendor as ‘Sports-Specific Volunteers’ for selection trials. IOA president PT Usha condemned the scandal, stating in a release: “It is shocking and sad that National Games medals were allegedly decided even before the competition began.” She added that fair play must be upheld to ensure athletes get a genuine chance to compete at the highest level.
The taekwondo events, featuring 16 Kyorugi and 10 Poomsae competitions, will take place at Milam Hall, Haldwani, from Tuesday to Saturday. To prevent further manipulation, the PMC panel recommended replacing the director of competition and several technical officials.
