PT Usha Sets 8 SOM Slots for November 9 Election

Sanjay K. Srivastava, the IOA Electoral Officer, issued new guidelines on Oct 26 that will shape the upcoming election. The announcement came as the IOA prepares for a virtual poll on Nov 9.

The revised Form 2 allows candidates to be nominated for eight seats – four men and four women – that will feed into the IOA General Assembly. The rules also earmark one male and one female representative for the Executive Council from among those elected.

Nominations must come from proposers and seconders who are on the published SOM roster as of Oct 23. A single person may endorse an individual in each gender category, but any subsequent endorsement in the same category will be rejected.

Cross‑gender endorsements are permitted, so a male SOM can back a female candidate and vice versa. However, a proposer cannot withdraw once the nomination is filed.

Candidates must be Indian citizens, aged 25‑70, have retired at least a year, and have represented India in an Olympic sport. The next phase will scrutinise nominations, address objections, and publish the final list.

Voting will take place virtually on Nov 9, with detailed instructions to follow. The outcome will determine the composition of the IOA Executive Council and the future direction of Indian sport.