PT Usha Faces Defeat in SOM Elections as Saina Nehwal and Others Elected

In a surprising turn of events, PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association, lost in the recent Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit elections. Olympic medalists Saina Nehwal, Anju Bobby George, Rani Rampal, and Dola Banerjee were elected, marking a significant shift in the leadership landscape. With the upcoming IOA Executive Council elections on December 5, the results of the SOM elections could have lasting implications for the future of the association. Read on to learn more about the election outcomes and what they mean for the IOA.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 9, 2026, 23:44 IST

PT Usha's Setback in SOM Elections

In a recent election held on November 9, PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), experienced a significant defeat in the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections for the women's category. Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal, along with former athletes Anju Bobby George, Rani Rampal, and Dola Banerjee, emerged victorious.

The four athletes were elected to fill the available positions, surpassing Usha and another contender, Anitha Paul Durai, in a competitive race for four spots.

Anju Bobby George led the voting with 53 valid votes, followed closely by Rani Rampal with 50 votes, Dola Banerjee with 45, and Saina Nehwal with 43. PT Usha garnered 40 votes, while Anitha Paul Durai received just six. A total of 80 votes were cast in this category.

This outcome is a notable setback for Usha, who made history as the first woman to lead the IOA when she was elected president in December 2022. Her loss in the SOM elections comes just ahead of the upcoming polls on December 5, which will determine the IOA Executive Council for the term spanning 2026-2030.

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

The elected SOM representatives will join the IOA General Assembly, gaining the right to vote and participate in the Executive Council elections on December 5. Additionally, one male and one female SOM representative will be included in the Executive Council, allowing them to play a direct role in the governance of the association.

The results of the women's election on Monday add a new layer to the ongoing leadership contest within the IOA, shifting the focus to the crucial December 5 elections that will shape the future leadership of the national Olympic body.