PT Usha to become Indian Olympic Association Chief

The issue with sports organisations in India is that they are overseen and governed by politicians, who are by far the most disconnected from the sport on a technical and practical level. However, the illustrious P.T. Usha, who emerged as the sole candidate for the top position in the December 10 elections, is set to become the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Usha, 58, who won several gold medals at the Asian Games and finished fourth in the 400-meter hurdles final at the 1984 Olympics, submitted her nomination papers for the position of president on Sunday along with her team for the various positions.Usha tweeted, “I am humbled and honoured to accept and file for the Nomination of the President Of IOA! With the heartfelt support of my Fellow Athletes and National Federations. On Sunday, the nomination period for the IOA elections comes to a conclusion.

Usha, a legendary sprinter, was also chosen by the IOA’s Athletes Commission as one of the eight Sports Persons of Outstanding Merit (SOM). There were no nominations submitted on Friday or Saturday, according to IOA elections returning officer Umesh Sinha.There will be elections for the joint secretary and one female vice president (female). There were 12 candidates vying for four spots on the executive council.Elections will be held by the IOA to choose a president, a senior vice-president, two vice-presidents (one male and one female), a treasurer, two joint secretaries (one male and one female), and six other members of the Executive Council, of which two (one male and one female) must come from the chosen SOMs.

Usha, a.k.a. “Payyoli Express,” was nominated as a Rajya Sabha member in July and is currently perceived as a candidate for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. She is one of the most accomplished athletes from India.