PT Usha Loses SOM Election; Saina, Anju Bobby George Elected
· Sports · The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India
Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha failed to win a Sportsperson of Merit seat in the election held on November 9, 2026, while former shuttler Saina Nehwal, long jumper Anju Bobby George, archer Dola Banerjee and hockey captain Rani Rampal were elected as the four female SOMs. Eighty SOMs — 40 men and 40 women — formed the electoral roll for the four women's seats. Usha had complained to the electoral officer alleging Banerjee violated the Model Code of Conduct by circulating a WhatsApp message soliciting votes. Male SOMs Gagan Narang, Vijender Singh, Yogeshwar Dutt and Kamlesh Mehta were elected unopposed on November 7 after eight other candidates withdrew. Usha can now contest the IOA Executive Council polls on December 5 only if nominated to the General Assembly by a National Sports Federation, which the article says is unlikely.
Why it matters
Usha's defeat blocks her direct path to a second term as IOA president and shifts influence in the upcoming Executive Council election to the newly elected SOMs who will join the General Assembly.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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