Crucial Elections Ahead for Indian Olympic Association as Saina Nehwal Challenges PT Usha

The Indian Olympic Association is on the brink of crucial elections, with current president PT Usha facing a significant challenge from Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal. As both candidates vie for positions in the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit elections, the outcome could shape the future leadership of the IOA. With other notable athletes also in the mix, the elections promise to be a pivotal moment for Indian sports. The results will not only determine the next president but also influence the direction of the country's Olympic ambitions leading up to the 2036 Games. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 9, 2026, 23:48 IST

Upcoming Elections for the Indian Olympic Association

The electoral process of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is gearing up for a significant moment on Monday, as current president PT Usha faces a pivotal challenge in the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections. Among the candidates is Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal, who has sparked discussions about potentially contesting Usha's leadership.

The elections for four women's SOM positions have gained heightened importance with Saina's name surfacing as a possible rival to Usha in the upcoming December 5 elections for the IOA Executive Council, where the next president will be chosen.

It's important to note that Usha and Saina are not directly competing against each other for the presidency in Monday's election. Instead, both are part of a six-candidate race for four women's SOM positions, and their performances could significantly influence their chances in the future leadership battle.

The remaining candidates in the women's category include former long jumper Anju Bobby George, ex-archer Dola Banerjee, former Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, and ex-basketball player Anitha Paul Durai.

In the men's category, four candidates have already been elected unopposed after eight of the twelve contenders withdrew from the race. Olympic medalists Gagan Narang, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Vijender Singh, along with former table tennis player Kamlesh Mehta, have secured their spots as male SOM representatives.

The withdrawals have left the women's category as the only contested segment of the SOM elections, with four positions available among six candidates. Five women candidates opted out before the November 7 deadline.

These SOM elections are a crucial aspect of the broader IOA electoral process for the 2026-2030 term. The elected representatives will join the IOA General Assembly, granting them the ability to vote and run in the December 5 elections for the new Executive Council.

Additionally, one male and one female SOM representative will gain seats in the Executive Council, providing the elected members with a direct role in the governing body of the association.

Usha, who made history as the first woman to lead the IOA when she was elected president in December 2022, is striving to maintain her position amidst a growing contest featuring notable former athletes and sports administrators.

Saina, who earned a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, is a key figure in discussions regarding the potential leadership contest, although her candidacy for the presidency has yet to be officially confirmed.

The electoral process is being managed by Electoral Officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, with voting for the women's SOM positions set to occur virtually on Monday.

The December 5 election will shape the next Executive Council of the IOA, which will guide India's Olympic movement during the 2026-2030 term. This leadership transition is particularly significant as India aims to host the 2036 Olympic Games.