India, June 6 -- Putting all speculations aside, the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association (UPOA) on Friday confirmed that it will proceed with its scheduled elections in June 2027 and update its constitution thereafter to align with the new National Sports Code. The decision follows continued uncertainty at the national level after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) delayed a clear set of amendment guidelines for state bodies.

"We've taken a pragmatic view," UPOA's secretary-general Anandeshwar Pandey said on Friday. "We will conduct elections as per schedule (June 2027) and then amend the constitution according to the new sports code. Waiting indefinitely for directions that are not arriving will only hurt sport at the grassroots."

Pand...