The ongoing 38th National Games 2025 on Monday has come under the radar for medal fixing at the taekwondo event, set to begin after two days.
The taekwondo competition director T Praveen Kumar was removed by the Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) on the basis of strong recommendations of a three-member Prevention of Manipulation of Competition Committee (PMC).
It was informed to the PMC that some official from the Taekwondo Federation Of India has already fixed the result in 10 of the 16 weight categories. “The asking price is Rs 3 lakh for a gold medal, Rs 2 lakh for silver and Rs 1 lakh for bronze,” the IOA said it was informed.
S Dinesh Kumar has been appointed as the replacement.
“It is shocking and sad that the National Games medals were allegedly decided away from the field of play even before the start of competitions. 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,” IOA president PT Usha said.
On the recommendation of the PMC Committee, the entire competition will be recorded and the footages will be preserved for reference if needs arise.
Sunaina Kumari, the chairperson of the technical conduct committee said, “It is important that we take on board the recommendations of the PMC Committee and protect the integrity of the 38th National Games.”