The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will hold elections for its new Executive Council on December 5, 2026, five days before the current committee's term ends. The electoral process began on October 10 with the appointment of former Election Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Srivastava as returning officer, as India continues its efforts to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Srivastava, a retired IAS officer who previously served as Election Commissioner of Delhi and Chandigarh, will oversee elections for the Executive Council, the Athletes' Commission and the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) category.
IOA president PT Usha said the 2026 elections were an important step towards strengthening transparency, accountability and good governance within Indian sport. She said the objective was to develop credible, athlete-focused institutions aligned with the Olympic Charter and the country's sports governance framework.
Usha also said appointing an experienced former election official reflected the association's commitment to an independent and transparent electoral process.
Athletes' Commission Elections Scheduled for November 3
The first major poll in the schedule will be for the IOA Athletes' Commission. Voting, counting and the declaration of results are scheduled for November 3.
National Sports Federations have been given until 2 pm on October 11 to nominate two athlete representatives through their respective Athletes' Commissions.
The new commission will comprise 10 elected members, with five men and five women. Its composition must also meet requirements relating to representation from Olympic-category sports and athletes who have achieved success at major competitions.
Meanwhile, the process for identifying Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit began on September 18. Eligible applicants can submit their applications and supporting documents until October 18.
The elections will be conducted under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, its 2026 rules, the amended IOA Constitution and applicable election regulations.
India's 2036 Olympic Bid Adds to the Stakes
The leadership transition comes as India pursues its ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad. The proposed vision, titled Rising Together, aims to use the Games to encourage wider sporting participation, engage young people and bring more communities into the Olympic movement.
India is among seven interested parties in dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The other parties identified in the report are Germany, Hungary, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye.
The IOC's host-selection process remains ongoing, and the field of interested parties has not yet been narrowed down. India's Olympic ambitions therefore coincide with a significant period for the IOA's leadership and governance.
PT Usha's Leadership and the Road Ahead
PT Usha became the first woman to lead the Indian Olympic Association when she took charge in December 2022.
The December 5 election will determine the association's next Executive Council as India continues to pursue its Olympic hosting ambitions. The November Athletes' Commission poll will also shape athlete representation within the organisation.
Together, the elections are expected to be an important governance milestone for Indian sport, with transparency, institutional credibility and athlete participation among the stated priorities.
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