The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially begun the process for its 2026 Executive Council elections. The biggest development so far is the conclusion of the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections.
Let’s understand the complete election process, the voting structure and who can contest for the top positions.
THE THREE STAGES OF THE ELECTION
1. Athletes’ Commission Election
A total of 10 members: five men and five women – were elected to the Athletes’ Commission.
Male athletes:
- Harmanpreet Singh
- Sajan Prakash
- Tajinderpal Singh Toor
- Swapnil Kusale
- Manjeet Singh (Canoeing)
Female athletes:
- P.V. Sindhu
- Mirabai Chanu
- Laishram Bombayla Devi
- Salima Tete
- Bhavani Devi
P.V. Sindhu and Harmanpreet Singh were elected Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively.
Meanwhile, Mirabai Chanu and Sajan Prakash were elected as the Athletes’ Commission representatives to the IOA General Assembly.
2. Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) Election
In a major development, India’s current IOA President, P.T. Usha, failed to secure a place in the women’s category of the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections.
The four elected women are:
- Anju Bobby George – 53 votes
- Rani Rampal – 50 votes
- Dola Banerjee – 45 votes
- Saina Nehwal – 43 votes
In the men’s category, Gagan Narang, Kamlesh Navinchandra Mehta, Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijender Singh had already been elected unopposed.
3. Executive Council Election – 5 December
This is the most important stage of the process, as the IOA President, other office-bearers and Executive Council members will be elected on 5 December.
But before understanding who will vote, let’s first look at the positions up for election.
WHO WILL BE ELECTED ON 5 DECEMBER?
A total of 13 positions will be filled through the General Assembly election:
- President – 1
- Senior Vice-President – 1
- Vice-Presidents – 2
- Treasurer – 1
- Joint Secretaries – 2
- SOM representatives on the Executive Council – 2
- Other Executive Council members – 4
In addition, two athlete representatives, P.V. Sindhu and Harmanpreet Singh, have already been elected through the Athletes’ Commission process.
WHO WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE?
The biggest share of votes will come from the National Sports Federations (NSFs). Each eligible federation will have two representatives, with one vote each.
According to the latest notification issued by the Office of the Electoral Officer, 30 National Sports Federations are eligible to participate in the election. This means the federations will collectively account for 60 votes.
A. 30 National Sports Federations – 60 Votes
The eligible federations are:
- All India Football Federation
- All India Tennis Association
- Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India
- Archery Association of India
- Athletics Federation of India
- Badminton Association of India
- Basketball Federation of India
- Bowling Federation of India
- Cycling Federation of India
- Fencing Association of India
- Gymnastic Federation of India
- Handball Federation of India
- Hockey India
- Ice Hockey Association of India
- Ice Skating Association of India
- Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association
- Indian Rugby Football Union
- Indian Triathlon Federation
- Indian Weightlifting Federation
- Judo Federation of India
- Luge Federation of India
- Modern Pentathlon Federation of India
- National Rifle Association of India
- Netball Federation of India
- Rowing Federation of India
- Ski and Snowboard India
- Swimming Federation of India
- The Squash Rackets Federation of India
- Wrestling Federation of India
- Wushu Association of India
B. Athletes’ Commission Representatives – 2 Votes
The Athletes’ Commission election has already been completed.
The two elected representatives to the General Assembly are Mirabai Chanu and Sajan Prakash. Each will have one vote.
C. IOC Member – 1 Vote
India’s International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, Nita Ambani, will have one vote.
D. SOM Representatives – 8 Votes
The eight elected Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) representatives — four men and four women — will each have one vote.
TOTAL ELECTORAL COLLEGE: 71 VOTES
Based on the above calculation, the expected electoral college will comprise 71 voters:
- National Sports Federations: 60 votes
- Athletes’ Commission representatives: 2 votes
- IOC member: 1 vote
- SOM representatives: 8 votes
Total: 71 votes
One important point to remember: Each member of the electoral college can vote separately for the different positions. In other words, voters will not be restricted to selecting the same group of candidates for every post.
WHO CAN CONTEST FOR THE IOA PRESIDENT’S POST?
The final question is: Who is eligible to contest for the post of IOA President?
A candidate must fulfil at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM); or
- Have previously served at least one full term as a member of the IOA Executive Council; or
- Have served as President, Secretary General/General Secretary or Treasurer of an affiliated unit, subject to the applicable constitutional provisions.
With the SOM elections concluded and the Executive Council elections scheduled for 5 December, the race for the top positions in the Indian Olympic Association is now taking shape.