Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 14: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed concern over recurring disputes surrounding the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) election process, warning that the controversy is damaging the reputation of India's Olympic movement.
In a strongly worded letter to IOA president PT Usha, the IOC has called for the association's executive council elections scheduled for December 5 to be conducted in strict compliance with the Olympic Charter and the IOA constitution. It has stressed that the process must be free, fair and without external interference.
The letter, signed by James Macleod, IOC Director of National Olympic Committee Relations, Olympic Solidarity and Olympism365, stated that the world body was disappointed that disputes had resurfaced despite efforts to establish a strong governance framework for the IOA.
The IOC said the situation was negatively affecting the functioning and reputation of the Olympic movement in India.
The intervention comes ahead of India's presentation before the IOC's Future Host Commission on November 26 as part of its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games. PT Usha is expected to attend the virtual meeting in her capacity as IOA president. The meeting is scheduled to last 40 minutes.
Although the IOC has not directly linked the election controversy to India's Olympic bid, its warning comes at a crucial time as the country seeks to demonstrate its preparedness to host the global sporting event.
The IOC's response follows a three-page letter sent by Usha to IOC president Kirsty Coventry on November 9. In her communication, Usha sought an independent examination of alleged irregularities in the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections.
Usha had raised concerns over alleged campaigning by incumbent officials, circulation of messages seeking votes for a particular panel and attempts to confirm voters' participation in the secret-ballot process. She also questioned references to the Sports Ministry and the handling of four representations submitted to the electoral officer.
The IOC has placed responsibility on the IOA and its electoral officer, Sanjay K Srivastava, to ensure that the election process follows the prescribed rules and remains free from external interference.
This is not the first time the IOC has raised concerns over the IOA's governance. In October 2024, the world body had held the association responsible for the impasse surrounding the appointment of its CEO, Raghuram Iyer, and urged it to resolve its internal issues.
The standoff had also affected discussions surrounding India's 2036 Olympic bid.
During an interaction with the Indian delegation in Lausanne in July 2025, the IOC had highlighted three major concerns: IOA governance, India's anti-doping record and the country's performance at the Olympics.
The latest communication has once again brought the association's governance issues into focus as India prepares to present its case for hosting the 2036 Games.