PT Usha clears NSF eligibility hurdle; 71 members set for IOA Elections

PT Usha (Image: Instagram)

New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha received a big boost to her re-election bid on Sunday after Electoral Officer (RO) Sanjay K Srivastava rejected all objections to her nomination as a female representative of the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI), clearing her path to contest the December 5 Executive Council (EC) elections.In the formal election notification on Sunday, the EO issued the final electoral college comprising 71 members who will be eligible to contest and vote in the elections.The electoral college includes 60 representatives from 30 recognised National Sports Federations (NSFs), two elected representatives of the Athletes' Commission, eight elected Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) and India's International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Nita Ambani.Usha's eligibility had been questioned following objections from rival factions within the IHAI. The objections questioned whether the former track and field athlete was a legitimate member of the federation and, consequently, eligible to represent it in the IOA General Assembly.The electoral officer sought the federation's response and conducted a hearing on November 14. IHAI representatives, including secretary general Harjinder Singh, maintained that Usha was an active member and submitted supporting documents along with a notarised affidavit.

The IOA also clarified that an individual's membership of one NSF did not automatically disqualify them from representing another federation.Following the hearing and examination of the submissions, the electoral officer rejected the objections, allowing Usha's nomination to stand.Her inclusion in the electoral college keeps her presidential ambitions alive after she failed to secure one of the four elected female SOM positions.

Usha finished fifth with 40 votes, behind Anju Bobby George (53), Rani Rampal (50), Dola Banerjee (45) and Saina Nehwal (43).Among the prominent representatives in the 60-member NSF contingent are All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey, former Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwalla, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Kumar Singh and Squash Rackets Federation of India secretary general Cyrus Poncha.

Each of the 30 recognised federations has nominated one male and one female representative.The eight elected SOM representatives include Gagan Narang, Kamlesh Mehta, Vijender Singh and Yogeshwar Dutt in the men's category. Anju Bobby George, Rani Rampal, Saina Nehwal and Dola Banerjee will represent the women's category. Mirabai Chanu and Sajan Prakash are the two elected representatives of the Athletes' Commission.

The December 5 elections will determine the composition of the IOA Executive Council, with positions open for president, senior vice-president, two vice-presidents (one male and one female), treasurer, two joint secretaries (one male and one female) and six other EC members.Of the six additional EC positions, two seats – one each for a male and female representative – are reserved for elected SOM members.Only individuals included in the final electoral college will be eligible to contest, propose or second nominations, and cast their votes. Candidates must submit their nomination papers in person at the IOA office between November 22 and 24.