Andhra Olympic Association seeks re-verification of Sports Quota appointments

The Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association has sought an independent probe into alleged irregularities in Sports Quota recruitment, including the Mega DSC appointments. It has demanded re-verification of sports credentials, audits of certificates and scrutiny of candidates and officials

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association (APOA) has called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment under the Sports Quota, particularly in the recently conducted Mega DSC recruitment in Andhra Pradesh.

APOA chief RK Purushotham alleged that a network involving certain sports associations and weaknesses in the verification mechanism of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) may have enabled candidates with questionable or allegedly fake sports credentials to secure government employment.

---

The APOA has sought an independent and comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities in Sports Quota appointments and re-verification of all disputed sports certificates with the respective national sports federations. It has also sought a complete audit of SAAP-issued or verified Form-2 certificates connected with Sports Quota recruitment.

The APOA chief also called for verification of competition dates, venues, organisers, results and medal records, as well as sport-specific proficiency tests wherever legally and administratively appropriate.

He sought re-verification of the sports credentials of candidates appointed under the Sports Quota from 2018 onwards, along with verification of their educational qualifications and other eligibility criteria.

The APOA also sought an examination of the role of officials and sports associations wherever documentary evidence indicates possible irregularities, preservation and disclosure of relevant sports-event and grant records in accordance with law, and establishment of a transparent, technology-based and federation-linked verification system for future Sports Quota recruitment.

“If warranted by the findings, criminal, disciplinary and recovery proceedings should be initiated against persons found responsible. An independent central investigation, including a CBI probe, should also be considered if the competent authorities conclude that such a probe is warranted,” Purushotham said.

The APOA chief appealed to the Andhra Pradesh government and competent central sports and recruitment authorities to treat the allegations seriously and ensure that the issue is investigated without political or institutional influence.

“Any person found to have secured a government appointment under the Sports Quota through a forged, fabricated or otherwise invalid sports credential must be dealt with strictly in accordance with law, while genuine sportspersons who may have been denied opportunities must be given appropriate protection and justice,” he said.

The APOA reiterated that it would continue to pursue the matter through lawful, constitutional and judicial channels in the interest of transparency, accountability and the protection of genuine sportspersons.