Usha, who became the first woman to head the IOA when she was unanimously elected in December 2022, now faces an uphill task to remain in contention for a second term, with the next Executive Council elections scheduled for December 5.

Four women and four men have been elected as SOMs, with the women’s category going to a vote after six candidates remained in the fray. Former shuttler Saina Nehwal, legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George, former archer Dola Banerjee and former women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal were elected.

Olympic medallists Gagan Narang, Vijender Singh and Yogeshwar Dutt, along with former table tennis player Kamlesh Mehta, were elected unopposed in the men’s category on Saturday.

Usha’s impending exit would mark the end of a tumultuous tenure, characterised by infighting and repeated confrontations within the IOA. She had also become the public face of India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, as well as the country’s preparation to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.…