Published: June 16, 2026 at 11:01 am
The infighting and complaints of irregularities regarding the Telangana Olympic Association (TOA) has forced the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to seek the Telangana government’s help in cleaning up the stable and establishing a transparent and legal body to govern the affairs of the Olympic body in the state of Telangana.
Dr PT Usha, president, Indian Olympic Association, shot off a letter to the chief secretary, government of Telangana, recently for ‘facilitation of verification of electoral college and electoral process of the TOA.’
In the three-page letter written on June 6, 2026, Usha wrote: “The IOA would appreciate the completion of the above exercise, as far as practicable, within a period of ninety (90) days and the sharing of an appropriate report with the IOA upon conclusion of the process.”
The letter states that “the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has, from time to time, received representations, complaints, reports, objections and counter-representations from various stakeholders concerning the governance and electoral processes of the Telangana Olympic Association (TOA).
IOA president PT Usha
“Upon consideration of the material placed before it, the IOA notes that the principal issues raised relate to the composition of the electoral college, verification of constituent units, maintenance of membership records, eligibility of representatives and participation of affiliated associations in the electoral process. The persistence of these disputes has resulted in competing claims and has adversely affected confidence amongst stakeholders within the sports ecosystem of the state of Telangana,” says the letter.
IOA committed to state bodies’ autonomy
The IOA reiterated its commitment to the autonomy of state Olympic associations but stated that in this case it was seeking the government intervention for transparency’s sake.
“The IOA remains committed to the autonomy of state Olympic Associations and is not seeking intervention by the state government in the affairs, administration or management of the Telangana Olympic Association. At the same time, the IOA is of the considered view that the interests of athletes, affiliated associations and the sporting community would be best served by an organisation that is transparent, credible, inclusive and capable of securing the confidence of all stakeholders,” it stated.
The IOA stated that it was imperative that a verification of the TOA’s membership is done in an impartial and transparent manner. “Having regard to the continuing disputes relating to membership records, electoral college composition and representation of constituent units, the IOA is of the opinion that a verification of the membership and related process would best serve the interests of good governance, institutional stability and the welfare of athletes in the State of Telangana.
State help sought to verify electoral college
“Accordingly, the IOA seeks the assistance of the government of Telangana and invites the state government to extend facilitative support, in accordance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the Rules framed thereunder, for verification of the electoral college and should it deem fit and necessary, facilitate the conduct of an independent, transparent and credible electoral process for the Telangana Olympic Association,” Usha stated in the letter.
The letter also said that ‘for the aforesaid purpose, the government of Telangana may consider facilitating the following:
Verification of Constituent Units: Verification of the status, recognition and eligibility of all constituent units claiming membership or affiliation with the Telangana Olympic Association, including verification of their office-bearers and authorised representatives.
Verification of Membership and Affiliation Records: Examination, reconciliation and authentication of membership records, affiliation records and such other documents as may be relevant for determining eligibility to participate in the electoral process. Further, if deemed required:
Preparation of Provisional Electoral College: Preparation and publication of a provisional electoral college based upon verified records and inviting objections, claims and representations from stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
Consideration of Objections: Establishment of a fair, transparent and time bound mechanism for consideration and disposal of objections prior to finalisation of the electoral college.
Finalisation of Electoral College: Publication of a final electoral college comprising eligible constituent units and their duly authorised representatives.
Appointment of Returning Officer: Identification and appointment of an independent Returning Officer of appropriate standing, preferably a retired judicial officer or a person of equivalent independence and integrity, in consultation with the IOA.
Electoral Process: Facilitation of the electoral process with such administrative, logistical and institutional support as may be necessary to ensure fairness, transparency and effective participation of all eligible stakeholders.
Observers: The IOA shall nominate observers to witness the process and submit their observations to the IOA.’
Electoral process in accordance with rules
The IOA also said that the “electoral process shall be undertaken strictly in accordance with: The Constitution of the Telangana Olympic Association; the Constitution of the Indian Olympic Association; the National Sports Governance Act, 2025; the Rules framed thereunder, 2026; applicable principles of transparency, accountability, fairness and natural justice governing sports administration.”
“It is clarified that the role of the government of Telangana shall be limited to facilitation of the verification and electoral process and shall not extend to management, administration or control of the Telangana Olympic Association. The autonomy of the Telangana Olympic Association shall remain respected and preserved throughout the process.
“Pending completion of the above exercise, the IOA shall keep under review issues relating to recognition, representation and participation concerning the Telangana Olympic Association before the IOA and its affiliated bodies,” the letter clarified.
The IOA also stated that “it is further clarified that the issuance of this communication shall not be construed as affirmation, endorsement or rejection of the claims, status, authority or legitimacy of any individual office-bearer, group, faction or competing body. Any decision concerning recognition and representation before the IOA shall be considered after completion of the verification process and conclusion of the electoral process in accordance with the applicable constitutional and statutory framework.”
