The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will conduct elections for its new Executive Council on December 5, 2026, just five days prior to the end of the current committee’s term. This decision follows the commencement of the election process on October 7, when former Election Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Srivastava was appointed as the returning officer.

His involvement comes at a time when India is intensifying its efforts to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, previously served as the Election Commissioner for both Delhi and Chandigarh. He will oversee not only the Executive Council elections but also the elections for the Athletes’ Commission and the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) category.

PT Usha, the president of the IOA, emphasised the significance of the upcoming elections, stating that they represent a crucial step in enhancing good governance, transparency, and accountability within the Indian Olympic Movement. She highlighted the aim to create strong, credible, and athlete-focused organisations that are in alignment with the Olympic Charter and the national sports governance framework.

Athletes’ Commission Elections on November 3

The first key election in the timeline is for the IOA Athletes’ Commission, scheduled for November 3, 2026. This will involve polling, counting of votes, and the announcement of results on the same day. National Sports Federations are required to submit nominations for two athlete representatives through their respective Athletes’ Commissions by 2 pm on October 11, 2026.

The newly constituted commission will comprise ten elected members, ensuring an equal representation of five men and five women. Additionally, the election rules mandate that the members represent Olympic-category sports and have notable achievements in major competitions.

The process for selecting Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit started on September 18, and eligible applicants have until October 18 to submit their applications and supporting documents. These elections are governed by the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, along with the relevant 2026 election rules and the amended IOA Constitution. These regulations aim to ensure a fair and streamlined electoral process.

Significance of the 2036 Olympic Bid

The forthcoming leadership transition within the IOA coincides with India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad. The initiative is dubbed “Rising Together” and aims to enhance sports participation across demographics, engage youth, and involve various communities in the Olympic movement.

India is among seven interested candidates in discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), competing alongside Germany, Hungary, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Turkiye. The IOC continues to evaluate the potential host for the 2036 Games, and the selection process is still ongoing, with the number of contenders not yet reduced.

In December 2022, PT Usha made history as the first woman to assume the presidency of the IOA. The upcoming December elections will be pivotal in establishing the next Executive Council, contributing significantly to India’s preparations and ambitions related to the Olympic Games.

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