PT Usha announced yesterday that Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, a retired IAS officer who once served as Delhi’s Election Commissioner, will act as the returning officer for the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Executive Council elections scheduled for December 5—just five days before the current council’s term ends on December 10.
The decision follows a series of preparatory steps: the first stage of the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster began on September 18, with athletes having until October 18 to submit applications. The 2026 National Sports Governance Act and the amended IOA Constitution now guide the entire election process.
While the Executive Council race is the headline act, the IOA also plans to poll its Athletes’ Commission on November 3 for the 2026‑2030 term. National Sports Federations must nominate two athlete representatives by October 11, and the commission will ultimately comprise ten members—five men and five women—selected from Olympic‑category sports.
PT Usha emphasized that this election cycle is a key step toward a stronger, more accountable Indian Olympic Movement. "We’re building institutions that are athlete‑centric and transparent," she said, echoing her long‑standing commitment to gender equity and governance reform.
With India currently in the IOC’s Continuous Dialogue for the 2036 Games—Ahmedabad is the proposed host—robust governance will be crucial. The IOA has already promised that all election materials will be posted online, giving athletes and federations a clear view of the process.
The next big event on the horizon is the International Olympic Committee’s review of India’s 2036 bid, which will likely look closely at the governance outcomes of this election.