Published: November 9, 2026 at 8:57 pm
With legendary athlete PT Usha failing to win the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections, the focus is now on who will be the president of the IOA when elections are held on December 5.
On Monday, Usha suffered a severe setback in her bid as she finished fifth in the women’s category. Usha, who is a nominated Rajya Sabha MP, received about 40 votes and trailed winners Anju Bobby George (53), Rani Rampal (50), Dola Banerjee (45), and Saina Nehwal (43).
Gagan Narang is said to be a front-runner for the president’s post in the IOA election to be held on December 5
The men’s category saw Gagan Narang, Kamlesh Navinchandra Mehta, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Vijender Singh elected unopposed. The eight elected athletes now join the IOA General Assembly and can contest the December 5 Executive Council elections, setting the stage for new leadership without Usha eligible to run.
Gagan being considered as front-runner
Olympian Gagan is now being considered to be a front-runner in the IOA election to be held on December 5. With Usha out, he will get enough support though it needs to be seen how the national sports federations will vote on that day.
https://x.com/RevSportzGlobal/status/2119781665295970728?a=Dn2dgMDi8OIM3C5DmYk&s=20
Gagan has shifted his base from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad recently and with the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, this seems like a calculated move.
Saina Nehwal has also figured in discussions, but her candidature has not been formally established
For Usha it is almost the end of the road. Though she is technically out, she but can be proposed by NSFs. But since she is not a member, it needs to be seen how it can be done. Usha had become the first woman to head the IOA when she was elected president in December 2022.
Yogeshwar, Vijender and Saina are from the ruling BJP and, therefore, it remains to be seen which way the winds will blow. Reports say that Nehwal’s name has figured in discussions surrounding a possible challenge to Usha’s leadership, although her candidature for the president’s post has not been formally established.
