Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been appointed Chairperson of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Athletes’ Commission, while Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh will serve as Vice-Chairperson. Both athletes were elected unopposed after emerging as the only nominees for their respective positions, marking a significant development in athlete representation within India's sporting administration.
Key Highlights:
- PV Sindhu and Harmanpreet Singh were elected unopposed as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the IOA Athletes’ Commission
- Mirabai Chanu and Sajan Prakash were appointed as athlete representatives to the IOA General Assembly
- The new leadership will serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2030
Returning Officer Sanjay K. Srivastava confirmed the appointments on 6 November 2026 through a notification. Since neither position had competing candidates, the elections initially scheduled for 7 November were not required. Sindhu and Harmanpreet will serve a four-year tenure from 2026 to 2030.
The appointments also carry additional responsibilities, as both athletes will become members of the IOA Executive Council following the national body's elections scheduled for 5 December 2026. Their inclusion is expected to strengthen the participation of elite sportspersons in discussions concerning India's Olympic movement and sports administration.
Alongside the leadership appointments, Olympic weightlifting medallist Mirabai Chanu and swimmer Sajan Prakash have been elected as athlete representatives to the IOA General Assembly. Chanu will represent female athletes, while Prakash will represent male athletes. Both representatives will also have voting rights in the upcoming IOA elections, giving them a direct role in the national body's decision-making process.
The latest appointments follow the election of 10 members to the Athletes’ Commission on 3 November. The newly elected members include Indian women's hockey captain Salima Tete, shooter Swapnil Kusale, fencer Bhavani Devi, shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, former archer Bombayla Devi and kayaker Manjeet Singh. Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan and shooter Rajeshwari Kumari, who serve on the Olympic Council of Asia's Athletes’ Commission, will join the panel as ex-officio members.
The commission plays an important role in representing sportspersons within the Olympic movement, giving them a platform to voice concerns, contribute to policy discussions, and participate in decisions affecting athletes. Sindhu and Harmanpreet succeed the previous leadership headed by former world champion boxer MC Mary Kom.
For Sindhu, the appointment adds another milestone to an already distinguished sporting career. She won silver at the Rio 2016 Olympics and bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, establishing herself among India's most successful badminton players. Harmanpreet has also made significant contributions to Indian hockey, captaining the men's team to bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
With two accomplished Olympic medallists taking charge, the IOA Athletes’ Commission enters a new phase of leadership. Their four-year tenure comes at an important time for Indian sport, as strengthening athlete participation, improving sports governance, and preparing for future international competitions remain key priorities.
Current Issue
Most Viewed
- 1 Talented Indian Female Actors Who Also Moonlight as Successful Producers
- 2 7 Indian Female Podcasters You Must Know About
- 3 7 Powerful Independent Indian Women Journalists Who are Voices of Change
- 4 Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh: The Creative Mind Behind Netflix India's Popular Shows
- 5 7 Most Influential Women Educators India has had over the Years
- 6 11 Breakthrough Female Faces Ruling the Indian OTT Platforms
- 7 8 Timeless Female Indian Classical Dancers & their Legacy
- 8 Women's Health Startup HerMD Closing Doors Amid Industry Challenges
- 9 Real Meets Reel: A List of 11 Indian Movies based on Real Women
- 10 Rasha Hassan: A Visionary Leader On A Mission To Transform Dubai's Real Estate Landscape
- 11 5 Indian Women-led IPOs You Must Know About
- 12 11 of the Most Iconic 21st Century Women to become "The First Indian Woman"
- 13 India's 7 Funniest Women Stand-Up Comics You Must Follow
- 14 Aparna Purohit : Leading India's Most Popular OTT Platforms
- 15 How Leaders Can Balance Risk & Innovation in Today's Banking Landscape
- 16 Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy: Sculpting Healthier Futures For The Next Generation With Reforms In Obstetrics Care
- 17 Sylvia Dcosta: A Visionary Business Leader Pushing The Limits And Setting High Professional Standards
- 18 Top 5 All-Rounder Women Cricketers of India
- 19 How Tata AIA is Empowering Women with Insurance That Understands Their Needs
