Indian Olympic Association schedules council election for December 5

The Indian Olympic Association announced on October 10 that it will elect a new Executive Council on December 5, five days before the current council’s term ends. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava has been appointed to oversee the electoral process.

The former Election Commissioner of Delhi and Chandigarh will supervise the Executive Council and Athletes’ Commission elections and the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit process. IOA cited the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, the 2026 rules, its amended constitution and applicable electoral regulations.

Applications for inclusion in the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit roster opened on September 18. Applicants can submit supporting documents until October 18, after which the roster will be prepared under the relevant eligibility and tier criteria.

Voting, counting and results for the Athletes’ Commission’s 2026–2030 term are scheduled for November 3. Eligible national sports federations must nominate two representatives through their athletes’ commissions by 2 p.m. on October 11.

The commission will have 10 elected athletes, split equally between men and women. Rules provide representation for Olympic-category athletes and those with achievements at major competitions.

IOA president PT Usha described the elections as a step toward more transparent and accountable governance. She said the association would provide support while respecting the independence of the electoral process.

Usha took office on December 10, 2022, becoming IOA’s first woman president. The election cycle comes as India seeks to host the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad. It is in dialogue with the IOC alongside Germany, Hungary, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Turkey. A host has not yet been selected.