US, Nov. 12 -- Two of Kerala's biggest athletes, P.T. Usha and Anju Bobby George, who once carried the country's hopes on the international track, are now on opposite sides of an increasingly bitter battle within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The latest exchange has brought their differences into the open, with Anju George responding to allegations of electoral manipulation raised by Usha, the current IOA President.

Usha had alleged irregularities in the election to the Sports Persons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) category and wrote to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) seeking an independent inquiry.

Anju George, who emerged victorious in the election with 53 votes, the highest secured by any candidate, has now hit back, ...