Odisha Gymnastics Body Issues Apology After Late President’s Name Found on Official Letterhead

The Odisha Gymnastics Association has issued an apology after reports emerged that official documents for the National Gymnastics Championships continued to carry the name of its late president , creating embarrassment for the sports body.

The controversy came to light after invoices and official correspondence related to the recently concluded championships in Bhubaneswar were found to be issued on a letterhead still listing the name of former president Samir Dey , who passed away in November 2024.

Following media reports, association secretary Ashok Kumar Sahoo admitted the mistake and described it as an “unintentional oversight.” In his clarification, he said the organisation takes note of the concern raised and expressed regret over the continued use of outdated stationery.

He added that while the association functions with transparency, the error occurred because new letterheads had not been printed after changes in leadership, leading to the continued use of old documents in circulation.

The issue has also drawn administrative attention, with a complaint being submitted to the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department questioning how funds amounting to nearly ₹98 lakh were sanctioned for the event despite invoices exceeding ₹1.96 crore carrying outdated official details.

Sahoo further stated that vice president Dhiren Panda is currently handling responsibilities as in charge of the association. He also said that a transition process is underway, with the present committee expected to be dissolved by August, followed by fresh elections in line with the National Sports Code .

The association has assured that corrective steps will be taken immediately to update official documentation and prevent similar lapses in the future.