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What's the story?
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appointed Pawandeep Singh Kohli as the chairman of its medical commission amidst controversial circumstances.
In case you didn't know...
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is the governing body responsible for the selection of athletes for representing India at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and other international athletic events and for managing the Indian contingents at these sports events.
The heart of the matter
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), on Friday, announced the appointment of Pawandeep Singh Kohli as the chairman of its medical commission, a decision that has been questioned by many in the sporting fraternity.
Pawandeep Singh Kohli was criticised for his role as the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics when reports emerged that he was a radiologist by profession and was of little help to the Indian athletes during the Games in case of any injuries.
The reports claimed that Pawandeep prescribed 'Combiflam' to the athletes whenever they complained of pain and his role came into the forefront when wrestler Vinesh Phogat's knee was injured at the Games.
Pawandeep Singh Kohl is the son of Tarlochan Singh, a veteran sports administrator, who has defended his son's credibility in sports medicine. Tarlochan Singh argued that Pawandeep was the head of the medical team at the SAF Games in Guwahati and Shillong and a member of the Commonwealth Games Medical Commission.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had launched a preliminary inquiry against Pawandeep and RS Negi, following allegations about their qualifications after they were sent to the Olympic Games from July 24 to August 23, 2016.
What's next?
Pawandeep Singh Kohli's appointment marks his second term as the chairman of the medical commission of the IOA after serving his first term under former president N Ramachandran.
Author's take
The appointment of Pawandeep Singh Kohli is certainly questionable with him allegedly being under-qualified and the IOA should have a better process of vetting their candidates for important positions like the chairman of the medical commission.
