P.T. Usha out of race for Indian Olympic Association President post

According to a report by Sportstar, current President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), P.T. Usha, has suffered a major setback. She was defeated in the Sportsperson of Merit (SOM) elections held on Monday, which has dashed hopes of her filing candidacy for the post of President for a second term. This result has made the upcoming IOA elections, scheduled for next month, extremely interesting, as several veteran athletes are now likely to enter the fray for the new President.

Providing details regarding the election process, the report stated that in the men's category, Gagan Narang, Kamlesh Mehta, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Vijender Singh were elected unopposed. The names of these four members were finalised following the last date for withdrawal of candidacy on Saturday. In the women's category, a total of 6 candidates were in the fray for four seats. 80 SOM members participated in the voting process, comprising 40 men and 40 women. Each voter was required to provide 4 names of their choice. P.T. Usha received 40 votes in this election and finished in fifth place.

In this election, Anju Bobby George secured the first position with 53 votes, while Rani Rampal came second with 50 votes, Dola Banerjee third with 45 votes, and Saina Nehwal finished fourth with 43 votes. Anita Paul Durai received 6 votes. Notably, all four elected women members had contested the election as an organised panel. P.T. Usha had entered the IOA Executive Council through the SOM route in the year 2022.

Now, P.T. Usha is left with only one option to participate in the IOA elections to be held on 5 December, which is to be nominated for the General Assembly by a National Sports Federation (NSF). However, this possibility appears quite slim. While each NSF can nominate two representatives, it is likely that the Athletics Federation of India will give preference to Adille Sumariwalla and Anju Bobby George. Usha's defeat is likely to change the power equations in Indian sports administration. She has been the primary face of India's 2036 Olympics bid so far. Names like Saina Nehwal and Gagan Narang may now emerge as contenders for the President post.

She had represented India in several international competitions and won numerous medals.