The IOC has expressed serious concern over the growing controversy surrounding the Indian Olympic Association’s SOMs elections, following allegations of external interference and manipulation
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) flagged concern over the controversy-riddled IOA Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) polls after a candidate had alleged that she had to withdraw due to external pressure.
The IOC’s statement came after former Indian sprinter Ashwini Nachappa claimed she was asked to pull out of the elections and that the ones who have withdrawn were under external pressure.
IOA President PT Usha also wrote to the IOC, alleging that her defeat in the SOMs panel election resulted from manipulation by other candidates acting under pressure from external forces.
‘The IOC is very disappointed’
In a communication sent to multiple Indian media outlets, the IOC expressed disappointment over recurring disputes and irregularities in the IOA election process and stated that the situation undermines efforts to establish transparent governance and is damaging the Olympic movement’s operations and reputation in India.
“The IOC is very disappointed to note that, once again, issues and disputes seem to have resurfaced in the conduct of the IOA election process and in the implementation of the rules governing the IOA elections, despite all the efforts made over the past few years to establish a strong governance framework for the IOA in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the Basic Principles of Good Governance within the Olympic Movement.
More from Sports“This extremely regrettable situation is, once again, negatively affecting the operations and reputation of the Olympic Movement in India,” the IOC stated.
IOA’s turmoil to affect India’s Olympic hosting dreams?
India is currently locked in a race with seven other countries to become an Olympic host for the 2036 Summer Games. But if the power struggle in IOA continues, it would depict a wrong image of the nation’s administrative setup.
Additionally, IOA President Usha, who was not elected in the SOM panel earlier, remains in contention for a second term after being nominated by the Ice Hockey Federation of India for the General Body meeting on December 5, 2026, where the body’s polls will take place.
The IOC reiterated that both the IOA and the Electoral Officer overseeing the elections must adhere to the principles and guidelines outlined in the Olympic Charter.