IOA seeks verification of Telangana Olympic Association electoral process

Indian Olympic Association president Dr P.T. Usha has urged the Telangana Government to facilitate verification of the Telangana Olympic Association’s electoral college and, if necessary, an independent electoral process, citing concerns over governance, stakeholder confidence and sports development

Hyderabad: Indian Olympic Association president Dr P.T. Usha, in a communication to the Special Chief Secretary of the Government of Telangana (Sports), has appealed for “urgent attention and necessary action at the earliest” regarding verification of the electoral college and electoral process of the Telangana Olympic Association.

The letter, dated August 17, 2026, assumes significance in view of Telangana hosting the prestigious Khelo India Games this December. Dr Usha referred to the earlier communication from her end on June 6, 2026, in this regard.

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“In view of the importance of the matter and its direct bearing on good governance, stakeholder confidence and the interests of sportspersons, early action is requested. It is therefore requested that the matter may kindly be accorded urgent attention and necessary action at the earliest, keeping in view the larger objectives of Khelo India Games and sports development in Telangana,” Dr Usha pointed out.

In the previous letter, the IOA chief mentioned that “the IOA has, from time to time, received representations, complaints, reports, objections and counter-representations from various stakeholders concerning the governance and electoral processes of the Telangana Olympic Association (TOA).”

“Upon consideration of the material placed before it, the IOA notes that the principal issues raised relate to the composition of the electoral college, verification of constituent units, maintenance of membership records, eligibility of representatives and participation of affiliated associations in the electoral process. The persistence of these disputes has resulted in competing claims and has adversely affected confidence amongst stakeholders within the sports ecosystem of the State of Telangana,” Dr Usha said.

“The IOA remains committed to the autonomy of State Olympic Associations and is not seeking intervention by the State Government in the affairs, administration or management of the Telangana Olympic Association. At the same time, the IOA is of the considered view that the interests of athletes, affiliated associations and the sporting community would be best served by an organisation that is transparent, credible, inclusive and capable of securing the confidence of all stakeholders,” Dr Usha said.

“The IOA is of the opinion that a verification of the membership and related process would best serve the interests of good governance, institutional stability and the welfare of athletes in the State of Telangana. Accordingly, the IOA seeks the assistance of the Government of Telangana and invites the State Government to extend facilitative support, in accordance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the Rules framed thereunder, for verification of the electoral college and, should it deem fit and necessary, facilitate the conduct of an independent, transparent and credible electoral process for the Telangana Olympic Association,” the legendary athlete said.

“All stakeholders are expected to maintain institutional decorum, act in good faith and extend full cooperation to the process contemplated herein so that a transparent, democratic and broadly accepted governance structure may emerge in the larger interest of sportspersons and sports development in the State of Telangana,” Dr Usha said.