Archive · 10 Oct 2026
IOA Sets December 5 for Executive Council Elections
The Indian Olympic Association is preparing to choose new leaders for its Executive Council.
The main election is planned for December 5, 2026, shortly before the current council’s term ends.
Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, a former Election Commissioner of Delhi and Chandigarh, will oversee the election process.
Before that, the IOA Athletes’ Commission will hold its election on November 3.
The commission will have 10 elected members, with five men and five women.
Applications for a Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit roster opened on September 18 and are due by October 18.
Eligible sports federations have been asked to nominate athlete representatives by October 11.
IOA President P.T. Usha said the process is intended to make the organisation more transparent and accountable and give athletes a meaningful role.
The Indian Olympic Association appointed Sanjay Kumar Srivastava as Electoral Officer/Returning Officer for its 2026 elections.
The Executive Council election is scheduled for December 5, five days before the current council’s term ends on December 10.
Athletes’ Commission polling, counting and results for its 2026–2030 term are scheduled for November 3.
Applications for the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit roster opened September 18 and are due by October 18; eligible federations must nominate athlete representatives by October 11.
IOA President P.T. Usha said the elections aim to advance good governance, transparency, accountability and athlete-centred institutions.
- Who
- The Indian Olympic Association, with Sanjay Kumar Srivastava appointed to oversee the elections.
- What
- The IOA has begun its 2026 electoral process, covering the Executive Council, Athletes’ Commission and Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit roster.
- When
- The Athletes’ Commission election is scheduled for November 3, 2026; the Executive Council election is scheduled for December 5.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- IOA President P.T. Usha said the elections are intended to strengthen governance, transparency and accountability and build athlete-centred institutions.
IOA’s stated goals
Election-process details
Governance and transparency
IOA’s stated goals
P.T. Usha described the elections as a milestone for improving governance, transparency and accountability in Indian sport.
Election-process details
The reports describe the scheduled elections and rules but do not present a substantially opposing view on those goals.
Athlete participation
IOA’s stated goals
Usha said meaningful athlete participation and athlete-centred institutions are central to the IOA’s future.
Election-process details
The process sets out eligibility and representation requirements, including 10 elected Athletes’ Commission members, split equally between men and women.
- Executive Council election
- December 5, 2026
- Current council term ends
- December 10, 2026
- Electoral Officer/Returning Officer
- Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, a former Election Commissioner of Delhi and Chandigarh
- Athletes’ Commission election
- Polling, counting and results are scheduled for November 3, 2026, for the 2026–2030 term
- Athletes’ Commission composition
- 10 elected members: five men and five women
- Key deadlines
- Athlete representative nominations are due by 2 p.m. on October 11; Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit applications are due October 18, 2026
- Stated electoral framework
- The IOA cited the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, its amended Constitution and applicable election rules
- Stated objective
- Strengthen good governance, transparency and accountability and build athlete-centred institutions
