13 November 2026 (Navroze Bureau) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed strong disappointment over the latest disputes surrounding the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) election process, warning that the controversy is negatively affecting the reputation and functioning of the Olympic Movement in India.
In a statement issued on November 13, an IOC spokesperson described the situation as “extremely regrettable” and said disagreements over the conduct of the elections and the implementation of related rules had resurfaced despite efforts over recent years to establish a stronger governance framework within the IOA.
The IOC’s comments come at a significant time for Indian sports, with the country preparing to present its case as part of its ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The international body’s intervention has once again brought attention to questions surrounding transparency, governance and the electoral procedures of India’s top Olympic organisation.
IOC calls for free and fair elections
The IOC has directly urged the IOA and the Electoral Officer responsible for overseeing the election process to ensure that the polls are conducted according to the Olympic Charter, the IOA Constitution and all applicable regulations.
The organisation has specifically stressed that the elections must be free and fair and take place without any external interference. It also underlined the importance of following established governance principles within the Olympic Movement.
The IOC’s statement reflects its concern that repeated disagreements over election procedures could affect the credibility of the organisation responsible for managing India’s participation in the Olympic movement.
The IOA is the national body responsible for representing India at the Olympic Games and coordinating the country’s Olympic-related sporting activities. Its internal governance and leadership arrangements are therefore important not only for national sports administration but also for India’s relationship with international sporting organisations.
Controversy over Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit election
The latest dispute intensified following the election of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) representatives to the IOA General Assembly on November 9.
IOA president P T Usha failed to secure a place among the eight SOM representatives elected to the General Assembly. She finished fifth in the women’s category with 40 votes.
Anju Bobby George secured 53 votes, followed by Rani Rampal with 50, Dola Banerjee with 45 and Saina Nehwal with 43. These four candidates finished ahead of Usha in the women’s contest.
The results attracted attention because Usha is the current president of the IOA and had been seeking to retain her position in the organisation.
The election process also witnessed several candidates withdrawing from the contest. According to reports, eight male and five female candidates withdrew, while allegations of external pressure on some candidates to step aside also emerged.
These developments added to concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
P T Usha remains in the presidential race
Although Usha did not secure a place through the SOM election route, she remains eligible to contest for another term as IOA president.
Her name was subsequently nominated to the IOA General Assembly by the Ice Hockey Association of India. This has allowed her to remain in contention for the upcoming leadership elections.
The development means that the contest for the IOA presidency is expected to attract considerable attention, with several prominent sporting personalities reportedly in the running.
The December 5 elections will decide the next president and other office-bearers of the Indian Olympic Association. The outcome will be important for the organisation’s future leadership and its efforts to address concerns over governance.
Abhinav Bindra had raised questions over election rules
Concerns about the election process had also been raised by Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra.
In a letter dated October 31, Bindra reportedly highlighted an apparent inconsistency between Article 3.7 of the IOA Constitution and the rules followed during the recent SOM elections.
Bindra, who participated in the voting process but did not contest the election, called for greater clarity in the organisation’s constitutional provisions, electoral rules and administrative procedures.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that these provisions are properly aligned and communicated to avoid ambiguity.
Although Bindra received a response to his letter, he subsequently indicated that his specific questions had not been adequately addressed. His concerns added another dimension to the debate over how the IOA’s electoral procedures are being implemented.
IOC intervention comes ahead of India’s 2036 Olympic ambition
The IOC’s latest remarks are particularly important as India continues to pursue its ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
Hosting the Olympics requires extensive preparation, international cooperation and confidence in a country’s sporting administration. The functioning of the national Olympic association is an important part of that broader framework.
The IOC’s criticism does not, by itself, determine the outcome of India’s hosting ambitions. However, its comments underline the importance of resolving internal disputes and maintaining transparent governance within the country’s Olympic administration.
For the IOA, the immediate challenge will be to ensure that the remaining stages of the election process are conducted in accordance with its constitution and the Olympic Charter.
The December 5 polls will be closely watched as the organisation prepares to choose its next leadership. The IOC has made its expectations clear: the electoral process must follow established rules, remain free from external interference and provide a fair opportunity to eligible candidates.
The controversy has placed the IOA’s governance under renewed scrutiny. How the organisation responds to the IOC’s concerns and handles the upcoming elections could play an important role in shaping confidence in India’s Olympic administration.
The priority now is to ensure that the leadership transition takes place through a transparent and properly regulated process, allowing the focus to return to the development of Indian sport and the country’s international sporting ambitions.