New Delhi: The leadership battle within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is gaining momentum, with president PT Usha facing a significant electoral test as Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal joins the contest for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) positions. The outcome of Monday’s elections could have an important bearing on the association’s upcoming leadership contest scheduled for December 5.
Usha and Saina are among six candidates competing for four available positions in the women’s SOM category. Although neither is directly contesting the other’s candidature for the presidency, their electoral performance could influence their standing ahead of the Executive Council elections, where the next IOA president will be chosen.
The other candidates in the women’s category include former long jumper Anju Bobby George, former archer Dola Banerjee, former Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal and former basketball player Anitha Paul Durai.
While the women’s category remains competitive, the men’s SOM positions have already been decided without a contest. Olympic medallists Gagan Narang, Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijender Singh, along with former table tennis player Kamlesh Mehta, have been elected unopposed after eight candidates withdrew from the race.
The SOM elections form an important part of the IOA’s electoral process for the 2026 to 2030 term. Elected representatives will become members of the General Assembly, gaining voting rights and eligibility to contest the December 5 Executive Council elections.
One male and one female SOM representative will also receive positions in the Executive Council.
Usha made history in December 2022 by becoming the first woman to lead the IOA. She is now facing renewed attention over her leadership as prominent former athletes emerge in the electoral process.
Saina, who secured bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, is among the prominent names linked to the possible leadership contest, although her candidature for the presidency has not been formally confirmed.
The elections will help shape the leadership of Indian Olympic sports for the next four years, particularly as India pursues its ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
