P.V. Sindhu elected as Chairperson of Indian Olympic Association's Athletes Commission

P.V. Sindhu has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Athletes Commission of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Alongside her, men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh has been selected as the Vice-Chairperson. According to a report by Sportstar, they were the sole candidates for both these positions, resulting in them being declared elected unopposed on Friday.

In addition to these appointments, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and swimmer Sajan Prakash have also been elected unopposed. They will serve as athlete representatives in the IOA General Body. The tenure for all four members will be four years, from 2026 to 2030.

In a notice issued by Returning Officer Sanjay K. Srivastava, it was clarified that since Pusarla Venkata Sindhu was the only candidate for the post of Chairperson, she became the unopposed Chairperson and no voting would be required. Similarly, Harmanpreet Singh was elected unopposed as Vice-Chairperson. Furthermore, Mirabai Chanu and Sajan Prakash were the sole candidates for one reserved seat each for male and female representatives for the General Assembly, and thus they were also elected unopposed.

As per the rules, it is mandatory to have one male and one female in the positions of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and this same rule applies to the two representatives of the General Body. Candidates for the top two positions must be from among the six Olympic-category members who have participated in at least one of the last three Olympic Games.

P.V. Sindhu and Harmanpreet Singh, both of whom have won two Olympic medals, will now join the IOA Executive Council. The formation of this Council will take place after the elections to be held on 5 December. Notably, Mirabai Chanu and Sajan Prakash will be able to vote in these elections. The elections scheduled to be held on Saturday for these positions are no longer required, and the Returning Officer will only issue a formal notification.

Earlier, on 3 November, a total of 10 players, comprising five men and five women, were declared elected unopposed as members of the Commission. These members include Salima Tete, Swapnil Kusale, Bhavani Devi, Tajinderpal Singh Tur, Bombayla Devi, and Manjit Singh. Additionally, Winter Olympian Shiva Kashavan, a member of the Athletes Commission of the Olympic Council of Asia, and shooter Rajeshwari Kumari will serve as ex-officio members.

P.V. Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Bhavani Devi have previously served in the Commission under the chairpersonship of M.C. Mary Kom.