After the completion of his central deputation tenure, Sandip Pradhan (IRS-IT:1990) has left the office of Director General (DG) of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). His tenure on central deputation ended on September 30.
Sports secretary Sujata Chaturvedi (IAS:1989:BH) has been entrusted the additional charge of DG, SAI on an interim basis. The notification to this effect was issued on October 1. Chaturvedi will discharge the duty as SAI’s DG till a regular incumbent is appointed or alternate arrangement is made by the government.
Pradhan was first appointed as DG, SAI in August 2019, being promoted from deputy DG, replacing Neelam Kapoor retired. In May 2020, his tenure was extended for two years, upto July 6, 2022. In 2022, he was granted another tenure extension of more than two years till September 30, 2024.
Before his appointment at the SAI, Pradhan had worked as director general of Sports Authority of Gujarat for four years (2013-17). He has also earlier served as Khelo India CEO. Earlier, he had worked as additional commissioner Income tax in Pune and as Mumbai income tax commissioner.
His tenure with the SAI has been remarkable as India saw two successful Olympic and Paralympics cycles in Tokyo and Paris, respectively, and registered impressive success in terms of winning medals under him.
The growth of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is considered as one of the major contributing factors to India’s success. The TOPS grew in strength under Pradhan’s stewardship.
