Major setback for PT Usha in IOA elections; Anju Bobby George secures first position with 53 votes

NEW DELHI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) elections dealt a major setback to the incumbent president, P T Usha. Usha was defeated in the voting held to elect female representatives—a result that diminishes her prospects of running for the IOA presidency again.

Six candidates vied for the four available positions reserved for female representatives. Out of the 80 votes cast, Usha secured only 40, finishing in fifth place. She lost to Saina Nehwal—who took the fourth spot—by a margin of three votes.

Anju Bobby George secured the first position with 53 votes, while Rani Rampal came in second with 50 votes. Dola Banerjee received 45 votes, and Saina Nehwal garnered 43 votes. All four were elected as women's representatives. Prior to the election, PT Usha had raised allegations of an organised campaign being waged against her. She alleged that a campaign under the name 'New Bharat' was underway, involving moves specifically targeted at her. Following the announcement of the election results, Usha’s allegations are being discussed again.

Although Usha was defeated in the election for the women's representative position, the possibility remains for her to continue on the IOA executive committee—and even contest for the presidency—should she be nominated as a representative by any national sports federation. Consequently, Usha's next moves will be crucial. With the term of the current IOA executive committee nearing its end, it is believed that the election results will play a decisive role in the power dynamics within the organisation.