To get re-elected as IOA president for a second term, PT Usha first has to win a place in four available SOM spots in the female category.

India’s athletics legend and IOA (Indian Olympic Association) president, PT Usha faces a challenging test on Monday (November 9). She is among six candidates in the race for four available spots for SOM (Sportspersons of Merit) in the female category. The elections for four spots will be held on Monday (November 9).

Interestingly, there was no contest in the male SOMs category as there were only four candidates for four available spots because several players pulled out for reasons best known to them.

Apart from PT Usha, five other candidates are— former Indian hockey skipper and Olympian Rani Rampal, Olympic bronze medallist in badminton Saina Nehwal, Olympian (archery) Dola Banerjee, Olympian and World bronze medallist Anju Bobby George and former international basketball player Anitha Durai.

It’s a tricky situation for PT Usha. First, she has to win one of the four berths (SOM). Thereafter, she could be nominated for the post of IOA president.

Interestingly, no elections took place for the four available spots in the men’s SOM category. Three of the four SOM in men’s have won medals at the Olympic Games in their respective events. The players are boxer Vijender Singh, rifle shooter Gagan Narang and freestyle wrestler Yogeshar Dutt. Former international table tennis player Kamlesh Mehta is the fourth player in the group.

Meanwhile, two-time Olympic medallist in badminton PV Sindhu has been elected chairperson of IOA Athletes’ Commission. Indian men’s hockey skipper Harmanpreet Singh has been named vice-chairperson.

EOM