IOC Slams IOA Over Election Disputes, Warns of Damage to India’s Olympic Movement

IOA president PT Usha lost the SOMs elections. Photo: PTI

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed its disappointment over the ongoing turmoil surrounding the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) elections, warning that the controversy is damaging the reputation of India's Olympic movement. It has urged the national body to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a free and fair manner, without any external interference.

The strongly worded remarks by IOC came amid an escalating dispute within the IOA, following allegations made by its president, P T Usha. In a letter to the global Olympic body, Usha claimed that her failure to secure election to the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) panel was the result of manipulation by other candidates under pressure from external forces. The IOA SOMs were held on November 7 and November 9.

Despite the setback, Usha remains in the running for a second term as IOA president after she was nominated by the Ice Hockey Federation of India for the December 5 General Body meeting, during which the IOA elections will be held.

Expressing concern over the latest developments, the IOC said repeated disputes over the electoral process and the implementation of governing rules had…

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