PT Usha's New Nomination Keeps Presidential Aspirations Alive in IOA

PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, has been nominated to the electoral college for the upcoming Executive Council elections. This nomination comes after her recent failure to secure a position in the Sportsperson of Merit selection. Despite the setback, Usha's new role could provide her with another opportunity to pursue the presidency. The elections are set for December 5, and the outcome could significantly impact the governance of the IOA. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 22:54 IST

PT Usha's Nomination to IOA Electoral College

On November 12, in New Delhi, PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), received a nomination to the electoral college for the forthcoming IOA Executive Council elections. This nomination may allow her to remain a contender for the presidency, despite her recent disappointment in the Sportsperson of Merit (SOM) selection process. Usha will represent the Ice Hockey Federation of India alongside Harjinder Singh.

This news follows her unsuccessful bid to be included among the IOA's Sportspersons of Merit, where Olympic champion Saina Nehwal and former athletes Anju Bobby George, Rani Rampal, and Dola Banerjee were elected in the women's category. These four candidates triumphed over Usha and Anitha Paul Durai, who were vying for the four available positions. Anju Bobby George led the voting with 53 votes, followed by Rani Rampal with 50, Dola Banerjee with 45, and Saina Nehwal with 43. Usha garnered 40 votes, while Anitha Paul Durai received only six. A total of 80 votes were cast in the women's SOM category.

Although Usha's chances in the presidential race seemed diminished after missing out on the SOMs, her nomination to the electoral college presents her with another chance to vie for the top role. The SOMs, along with 60 members nominated by the National Sports Federations (NSFs), are eligible to run for positions in the new IOA Executive Council. In the men's category, four candidates were elected unopposed after eight of the twelve contenders withdrew. Olympic medallists Gagan Narang, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Vijender Singh, along with former table tennis player Kamlesh Mehta, have secured their spots as male SOM representatives. These representatives will join the IOA General Assembly, gaining the ability to vote and contest in the Executive Council elections scheduled for December 5. Additionally, one male and one female SOM representative will secure positions in the Executive Council, allowing them a direct role in the governance of the association.