New Delhi, India, November 2, 2026: Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha and five Olympic medallists are among 27 former athletes in the running for eight Sportspersons of Merit (SOM) positions in the IOA's General Assembly.
The November 9 election is expected to play an important role in shaping the IOA’s next Executive Council, with several prominent sporting figures in contention, India Today reported.
A total of 80 existing SOMs, comprising 40 men and 40 women, will vote virtually to elect four representatives from each category. The eight successful candidates will become members of the IOA General Assembly and gain voting rights in the December 5 elections for the body’s new Executive Council.
The list features some of India’s most recognisable sporting names, including Olympic medallists Gagan Narang, Yogeshwar Dutt, Vijender Singh, Surinder Singh Shokar and Saina Nehwal.
World Athletics Vice-President Adille Sumariwalla, hockey great Sardar Singh and former table tennis star Achantha Sharath Kamal are also among the candidates.
The SOM election carries added significance as the successful candidates will have a say in the upcoming IOA leadership polls. Two of the eight elected members, one man and one woman, will eventually secure places in the Executive Council and could also contest for other positions, including the president’s post.