New Delhi: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed serious disappointment over the manner in which the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) conducted its recent elections for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM), describing the situation as “extremely regrettable”. The development has intensified concerns over transparency, fairness and governance within India’s Olympic administration.
The controversy gained momentum after Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra raised questions about inconsistencies between the IOA constitution and the electoral rules followed during the SOM elections. He also highlighted the lack of response from the association’s leadership and stressed the need for greater accountability and integrity in India’s sporting organisations.
The elections witnessed a setback for IOA President PT Usha, who lost in the women’s category. Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal and former athletes Anju Bobby George, Rani Rampal and Dola Banerjee secured victories to become the female SOM representatives.
In the men’s category, four candidates were elected unopposed after eight of the 12 contenders withdrew from the contest. Olympic medallists Gagan Narang, Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijender Singh, along with former table tennis player Kamlesh Mehta, secured the four positions.
The outcome assumes greater significance ahead of the December 5 elections for the IOA Executive Council, which will oversee the association for the 2026 to 2030 term.
The elected SOM representatives will become members of the IOA General Assembly, giving them voting rights and the opportunity to contest the upcoming Executive Council elections. One male and one female representative will also receive positions on the Executive Council, allowing them to participate directly in the association’s administration.
With the IOC monitoring the developments and prominent athletes demanding greater transparency, the upcoming elections have attracted increased attention. The IOA’s response to the constitutional and procedural concerns will be crucial in restoring confidence in its electoral process and ensuring credibility in India’s Olympic governance.
