FIR Filed Against Maharashtra Olympic Association Secretary Over ₹12 Crore Fund Misuse; Athletes Given Fake Branded Kits
An FIR has been registered against the secretary of the state Olympic body for alleged misappropriation of ₹12.45 crore and supplying fake branded gear to athletes.
Mumbai,October 29, 2025 – An FIR has been lodged against the General Secretary of the Maharashtra Olympic Association following allegations of massive financial irregularities amounting to over ₹12 crore and the supply of substandard sports equipment to athletes under the false label of a reputed global brand.
According to the complaint, funds were allocated by the state government to support athletes and conduct coaching camps for three editions of the National Games held in Gujarat (2022), Goa (2023), and Uttarakhand (2025). However, financial audits revealed serious discrepancies in expenditure reports. While only the Gujarat event’s audit report was partially submitted, the remaining two lacked any documentation, raising suspicions of fund diversion.
The investigation revealed that the sports kits supplied to athletes were falsely branded. Items such as tracksuits, claimed to be from a high-end brand and billed at approximately ₹2,500 each, were actually sourced locally at less than half the price and then billed at inflated rates. The FIR also mentions fake invoices and manipulated purchase records used to justify these expenses.
Authorities also found irregularities in travel and accommodation expenses. Nearly ₹72 lakh was claimed as travel reimbursement for players, an amount that officials deemed “highly unrealistic” compared to the actual logistics. Some vouchers and receipts were reportedly forged to inflate costs.
The Maharashtra Olympic Association, the apex body for coordinating state-level sports federations, is tasked with managing government grants for athlete participation, coaching, and infrastructure. Funds are expected to be accounted for by the end of each fiscal year, but the accused allegedly failed to submit detailed expense statements despite repeated reminders and official notices.
The FIR, registered under sections related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery, accuses the official of embezzling public money meant to enhance sports development in the state. The investigation will now focus on tracking supplier chains, verifying vendor credentials, and identifying any co-accused involved in the alleged corruption network.
The incident has sparked outrage among athletes and sports organizations who claim they were forced to use poor-quality kits and lacked proper support during competitions. Several athletes have expressed frustration that while they struggle for funding, officials misuse resources meant for their welfare.
This case underscores the long-standing concerns over transparency and governance in sports administration. Experts note that the absence of strict audits and oversight mechanisms allows such financial misconduct to thrive. Calls are now growing for an independent inquiry and structural reform in how sports associations handle public funds.
The alleged scam not only damages the reputation of Maharashtra’s sports authorities but also highlights the urgent need to protect athlete interests. With the investigation underway, it remains to be seen whether the authorities can ensure justice and prevent such exploitation of sports funding in the future.
Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter
Also Read- Pune
