PV Sindhu is in the fray for one of the ten elected positions in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Athletes’ CommissionNEW DELHI: With 12 athletes from nine sports in the fray for 10 elected positions in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Athletes’ Commission, the application of a key provision in the election rules has emerged as an important consideration -- how to ensure maximum representation of different sports in the Commission. 6 of the IOA Athletes’ Commission Rules, 2026 states that, “as far as practicable”, the composition of the Commission should seek “maximum representation from all sports affiliated with IOA”.

The provision assumes significance in the ongoing election, with the draft list of nominations showing candidates from nine sports competing for 10 positions — five male and five female. The 12 nominees are Manjeet Singh (kayaking and canoeing), Swapnil Suresh Kusale (shooting), Harmanpreet Singh (hockey), Sajan Prakash (swimming), Kidambi Srikanth (badminton) and Tajinderpal Singh Toor (athletics) in the male category.

The female nominees are PV Sindhu (badminton), Salima Tete (hockey), Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting), L Bombayla Devi (archery), Sudha Singh (athletics) and Bhavani Devi (fencing). Athletics, badminton and hockey have candidates in both the male and female categories.

The remaining six sports have one nominee each. An opportunity to maximise diversityThe current nomination pattern presents an opportunity to give representation to all nine sports in the 10-member Commission, with one sport having two representatives.

6, provided the mandatory eligibility and category requirements are met and the outcome is consistent with the prescribed election process. The provision does not, however, establish a separate quota for each sport or specify which sport should have two representatives.

Nor does it expressly authorise the Electoral Officer (Returning Officer) to override the election outcome to achieve a preferred composition. Instead, the wording places emphasis on what is practicable and calls for an endeavour to avoid multiple representatives from the same sport.

Mandatory requirements remain centralThe Rules also prescribe specific requirements for the Commission’s composition. 1, the 10 elected members must comprise five male and five female athletes.

2 provides that six of the elected members must have participated in at least one of the last three editions of the Olympic Games. 3 specifies that these six must include three male and three female athletes.