PT Usha’s IOA re-election bid challenged over ice hockey nomination
- A rival faction challenged the nomination, claiming Usha is not an IHAI member.
- IOA rules require representatives to be members of their respective sports federations.
- The IOA executive council elections are scheduled for December 5, 2026.
- PT Usha previously failed to secure a spot in the sportspersons of merit category.
Ajit Kakkar, identifying as the vice president of an Ice Hockey Association of India faction led by Kunzang Namgyal, submitted a formal objection letter to Electoral Officer Srivastava regarding the nominations of PT Usha and Harjinder Singh. The letter stated, "It is pertinent to note that Ms.
Kakkar requested that the Electoral Officer verify the authority, composition, and quorum of the body that authorized the nominations of both individuals. Two other individuals also submitted objections to the nomination of PT Usha, though their standing could not be determined.
Dispute over IHAI leadership and membership rules
The Ice Hockey Association of India nominated PT Usha as its female representative and secretary general Harjinder Singh as its male representative to the Indian Olympic Association general body. A notification issued on 9 November 2026 by IOA-appointed Electoral Officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava requires that nominated representatives be members of the concerned National Sports Federation.
The Indian Olympic Association currently recognizes the faction led by president Gurpreet Singh Bakshi and secretary general Harjinder Singh.
Kakkar argued that Gurpreet Singh Bakshi and Harjinder Singh lack the legal mandate to hold their offices. Kakkar noted that a four-year term starting on 14 May 2022 would have expired in May 2026.
PT Usha’s previous election defeat and concerns
PT Usha wrote to the International Olympic Committee to raise concerns about the conduct of the sportspersons of merit elections. Following her election defeat, PT Usha asked Prime Minister Modi to intervene, telling the newspaper, "Winning and losing is normal but results have to be fair," and "I am certain that this result is fraudulent". Usha claimed the election result was "an insult to the PM’s initiative".
Abhinav Bindra calls for election transparency
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra called for transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections.
PT Usha’s background as IOA president
PT Usha became the first woman to head the Indian Olympic Association when she was elected president in 2022. She was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2022. Usha stated she accepted the Indian Olympic Association presidency at the “insistence” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Upcoming IOA election timeline
The executive council elections for the Indian Olympic Association are scheduled to take place on December 5, 2026. The eight Sportspersons of Merit and the General Body members are eligible to vote and stand as candidates in the IOA Executive Council elections.
The deadline for submitting objections to the provisional electoral college was 6pm on Friday, 13 November 2026. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
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