New Delhi, Oct. 20 -- Several prominent Indian athletes and Olympic medallists have thrown their hats into the ring to be elected as Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) elections. The election of SOMs is expected to play an important role in the IOA polls, especially in the contest for the president's post.

The election of the IOA Executive Council is scheduled for December 5, 2026, ahead of the completion of the present executive council's term on December 10.

Current IOA president PT Usha, who was elected to the top post as a SOM in 2022, figures in the SOM roster of 40 men and 40 women prepared by returning officer Sanjay K Srivastava on Tuesday after scrutiny of applications. The SOM ele...