PT Usha takes IOA election battle to IOC, seeks probe into alleged violations

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha has requested that International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry conduct an independent probe into alleged violations during the IOA's Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit elections. In a confidential three-page complaint, Usha cited concerns regarding incumbent officials campaigning, requests for voter confirmation, and references to the sports ministry during a secret ballot.

The complaint follows Usha finishing fifth in a six-way contest for four women's positions, earning 40 votes. Usha clarified the appeal is about electoral integrity and IOA autonomy rather than personal grievance, also pointing out that returning officer Sanjay K. Srivastava left four representations unacknowledged.