Sports
IOA Sets Strict Conduct Rules for Upcoming Athletes’ Commission and SOM Elections
By PTI
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has released a Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming elections to its Athletes’ Commission and Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs). The code prohibits criticism of opponents’ private lives, bans all forms of publicity—including new media and social networks—and requires IOA and National Sports Federation (NSF) office‑bearers to remain neutral.
The Athletes’ Commission election will take place on November 3, and the SOM election on November 9. Both contests will be held virtually, with further instructions to be issued by Electoral Officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava.
Twelve candidates, including Olympic medallists P.V. Sindhu and Mirabai Chanu, are vying for the ten seats on the Athletes’ Commission, which will consist of five men and five women elected by a 34‑member electoral college (two representatives from each of 17 NSFs). Eight SOMs—four men and four women—will be selected from a pool of 80 notified SOMs (40 men and 40 women). Incumbent IOA President P.T. Usha is among the candidates for the SOMs.
Key provisions of the code include: - Candidates must not produce any material likely to harm another candidate’s image. Criticism, if allowed, must focus on policies, programmes, past record and work. - Promotion of a candidate cannot use new media, social networks, or public meetings. - NSF and candidates must refrain from criticizing any aspect of a candidate’s private life unrelated to public activities, and must not use unverified allegations or appeal to caste, communal, or other divisive sentiments. - Campaigns must be fair, dignified, and moderate, respecting other candidates, the National Sports Body, and its members. - Activities that could aggravate existing differences or create hatred between castes, communities, religions, or languages are prohibited. - Candidates may present their plans and views in a written document to be published by the Electoral Officer. - Candidates must avoid corrupt practices such as bribery, intimidation, or impersonation of voters. - Excessive campaign expenditure is discouraged, and candidates may not give presents, donations, gifts, or any advantages to voting members, directly or indirectly.
The code aims to ensure a respectful and equitable electoral process for the Athletes’ Commission and SOM positions.
Published – November 01, 2026 03:45 am IST
Frequently asked questions
When are the Athletes’ Commission and SOM elections scheduled?
The Athletes’ Commission election will take place on November 3, and the SOM election on November 9, 2026.
How many candidates are contesting for the Athletes’ Commission seats and who are some notable candidates?
Twelve candidates, including Olympic medallists P.V. Sindhu and Mirabai Chanu, are vying for the ten seats on the Athletes’ Commission.
What are the main restrictions in the IOA Model Code of Conduct for candidates?
Candidates must not produce material likely to harm another candidate’s image, cannot use new media, social networks, or public meetings for promotion, and must refrain from criticizing any aspect of a candidate’s private life unrelated to public activities.