PT Usha loses; Anju, Saina, Rani, and Dola emerge victorious in IOA SOM elections
On the other hand, four women athletes emerged victorious in the elections – Anju Bobby George, Saina Nehwal, Rani Rampal and Dola Banerjee. P.T. Usha and Anita Pauldurai failed to secure the required support and were defeated.
XtraTime Web Desk
P.T. Usha suffered a setback after losing the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections conducted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The defeat has dealt a major blow to her hopes of being elected IOA president for a second consecutive term.
On the other hand, four women athletes emerged victorious in the elections – Anju Bobby George, Saina Nehwal, Rani Rampal and Dola Banerjee. P.T. Usha and Anita Pauldurai failed to secure the required support and were defeated.
Anju Bobby George topped the voting list with 53 votes. Former Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal finished second with 50 votes. Dola Banerjee secured 45 votes, while Saina Nehwal received 43. Usha managed 40 votes, whereas Anita Pauldurai received just six votes.
A total of 80 sportspersons had initially expressed interest in participating in the election. Following the online voting process, four women athletes were selected to represent the category.
This defeat has put an end to Usha's hopes of securing a second term as IOA president. In the men's category, however, Gagan Narang, Vijender Singh, Yogeshwar Dutt and Kamlesh Mehta were elected unopposed.
The successful male and female candidates have now qualified to contest the IOA presidential election scheduled for December 5.
