The Indian Olympic Association has finalised the roster of candidates for its Sportspersons of Merit election. After a scrutiny process conducted by Electoral Officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, the field has been reduced to twenty‑three individuals. The election will decide eight merit awards and is scheduled for the IOA General Assembly on 9 November. The decision follows a thorough review of nomination papers submitted by aspirants from across the country's sporting disciplines.
Initially twenty‑seven nominations were received, but four were excluded after the verification stage. Among those removed were former India hockey captain Sardar Singh and badminton player B Sumeeth Reddy. The remaining pool now comprises twenty‑three candidates, including the IOA chief PT Usha and five Olympic medallists representing a range of sports. These athletes bring experience from disciplines such as athletics, shooting, wrestling, boxing and weightlifting, underscoring the diverse talent pool considered for the honour.
The selection will be made by an eighty‑member electoral college composed of representatives from national federations, state Olympic committees and other recognised bodies. Each member will cast a vote to determine the eight individuals who will join the IOA General Assembly. The process aims to reflect a balanced representation of India's sporting ecosystem. Members are expected to evaluate candidates on criteria such as international performance, contribution to sport development and adherence to the Olympic values.
Prominent among the shortlist is PT Usha, the former sprint champion who now serves as IOA chief. She is joined by five Olympic medallists, whose achievements span individual and team events. Their inclusion highlights the association’s intent to honour athletes who have attained the highest levels of success on the world stage. Their careers have contributed to raising the profile of Indian sport internationally and inspire upcoming generations globally.
The candidature drive has attracted attention across various sporting circuits, reflecting the significance of the SOM award within India’s athletic community. The selection process is part of a broader effort by the IOA to recognise excellence and promote a culture of meritocracy among its affiliates. Stakeholders view the honour as a benchmark for performance, encouraging athletes to strive for consistency and integrity in competition.
The final voting will occur on 9 November, after which the eight elected Sportspersons of Merit will be formally announced at the IOA General Assembly. The association has indicated that further confirmations and official statements will follow in the lead‑up to the election, providing clarity on any additional procedural matters. The outcomes are expected to influence future nominations and the strategic direction of the IOA’s award programmes.
With the shortlist now set, the focus shifts to the electoral college’s deliberations and the eventual recognition of the nation’s top performers. Observers anticipate that the selected Sportspersons of Merit will serve as ambassadors for Indian sport, embodying the values of dedication, excellence and sportsmanship that the IOA seeks to champion. Their stories are likely to inspire policy discussions on athlete support and development across the country.