Controversy erupts in Sambalpur District Sports Association ahead of elections

A major controversy has surfaced in the Sambalpur District Sports Association (SDSA) ahead of its upcoming elections, with allegations of financial irregularities triggering sharp exchanges among office-bearers and raising concerns over the association’s functioning.

The dispute centres on accusations levelled by the association’s General Secretary against Vice-President Dulal Pradhan, alleging financial misappropriation amounting to Rs 7,16,250. According to the complaint, the amount was allegedly withdrawn through 11 cheques between November 28, 2021, and April 28, 2022. While the payments were reportedly made by cheque, details regarding the recipients and the purpose of the transactions have not been clearly explained.

The General Secretary has stated that the transactions took place before he assumed charge on April 28, 2022. He has also alleged that a room inside the Veer Surendra Sai Stadium premises was rented out to a businessman for use as a warehouse, and that the rental amount was personally collected by the Vice-President.

Additional allegations include delays in convening general body meetings and broader administrative lapses. In view of these issues, there have been strong demands for a comprehensive inquiry into the association’s financial and administrative affairs.

"Rs 7,16,250 has been withdrawn through 11 cheques. I am not able to know details regarding the recipients and the purpose of the transactions. The rent of the house for 2023 is yet to be received. After issuing a letter, I got the answer that the amount has been provided to the Treasurer. However, the Treasurer is refusing about receiving any amount," said SDSA Secretary Sunil Sahu.

"The current Secretary of SDSA is bringing the allegation of corruption. Proper inquiry into the allegation should be conducted and stern action should be taken against the culprits," said Madhusudan Mitra, a member of SDSA.

Responding to the charges, Vice-President Dulal Pradhan has categorically denied all allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated ahead of the elections. He questioned whether a former Vice-President is authorised to issue cheques after new office-bearers assume charge and claimed that no audit was conducted during the General Secretary’s four-year tenure. Pradhan maintained that the truth regarding the alleged Rs 7 lakh transaction would be evident from bank records.

"No audit of the transactions has been conducted. When the notification for the election was issued, they found that nothing has been done. The truth regarding the transaction would be evident from the bank records. They are afraid and hence shedding crocodile tears," said SDSA Vice-President Dulal Pradhan.

The controversy comes at a crucial time, as the tenure of the office-bearers elected in 2021 has already ended and elections to key posts are due. As per the association’s structure, the District Collector serves as its President, while other positions are filled through elections.

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Former sportspersons and sports analysts have expressed concern over the infighting, warning that such disputes could hamper the development of sporting talent in the district. They have emphasised the need for transparency, timely elections, and proper financial management to ensure the healthy growth of sports in Sambalpur.

"It is a matter of sorrow that the members of the association are working with vested interests. They have fully neglected the sports. If there is no coordination between them, the sports will be affected, and the sportspersons will be the losers," rued Former OCA Vice-President Sabir Hussain.