PT Usha loses IOA SOM election, Saina Nehwal and Anju Bobby George elected

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha suffered a major setback on Monday, November 9, after losing the election for the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) category. Former badminton star Saina Nehwal, long jumper Anju Bobby George, former Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal and ex-archer Dola Banerjee secured the four available positions in the women's category.

The election, conducted online, saw six candidates compete for four positions. Usha finished fifth with 40 votes, missing out on a place in the IOA General Assembly. Former basketball player Anitha Pauldurai finished sixth with six votes.

Anju Bobby George emerged as the top candidate, securing 53 votes, followed by Rani Rampal with 50. Dola Banerjee received 45 votes, while Saina Nehwal secured 43 to claim the fourth and final position, edging past Usha by three votes.

The four male candidates: Olympic medallists Gagan Narang, Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijender Singh, along with former table tennis player Kamlesh Mehta, had already been elected unopposed to the men's SOM positions.

PT Usha's defeat deals blow to second-term hopes

Usha's defeat comes at a crucial time, with the IOA's next Executive Council elections scheduled for December 5. She was elected as the association's first woman president in 2022 after securing a place among the SOM representatives.

The result has significantly complicated her prospects of returning for a second term. However, Usha could still remain eligible to contest if a National Sports Federation (NSF) nominates her to the IOA General Assembly, subject to the eligibility criteria under the association's constitution.

The SOM representatives form part of the IOA General Assembly and are eligible to contest the association's elections. With Usha failing to secure one of the four women's positions, her route back to the top post has become considerably more difficult.

PT Usha-Dola Banerjee row ahead of SOM elections

The election also took place amid allegations of campaigning violations and complaints between members of the IOA. Usha had reportedly lodged a complaint against former archer Dola Banerjee over a WhatsApp message allegedly circulated among voters. The message sought support for the 'New Bharat Panel' and urged members to vote for Banerjee, Nehwal, Anju Bobby George and Rani Rampal, while mentioning their ballot serial and roll numbers.

The complaint raised concerns over an alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The election process also witnessed complaints from other members, adding to the tensions ahead of the December 5 polls.