IOA Amends Constitution to Align with NSGA

On September 8, 2026, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) approved amendments to its Constitution at a Special General Body Meeting (SGBM). The amendments align its governance provisions with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 (NSGA).

Key Amendments:

• Three consecutive terms: The amended Constitution changes the tenure provisions for office bearers and members of the Executive Council (EC). Earlier, an office bearer could hold the same position for two consecutive terms, followed by a four-year cooling-off period. The amended provision now permits an office bearer or EC member to hold the same position for three consecutive terms, separately or in combination, before a cooling-off period.
• Eligibility for key posts: The Constitution also introduces eligibility requirements for candidates seeking election to the posts of President, Secretary General and Treasurer. A candidate must be either a Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM), have served at least one full term on the EC of a National Sports Body, or have served as President, Secretary or Treasurer of its affiliate unit. 
• Age limit: As per some reports, the IOA has, however, retained a 70-year age limitfor office-bearers and EC members. The amended provision removes the earlier exception which allowed a person above 70 to contest or seek nomination where permitted by applicable international charters and statutes. This differs from the position under the NSGA, which allows an elected office bearer to continue until attaining 75 years, subject to the conditions under the Act.
• Executive Council composition: The IOA has also retained its existing EC structure of 15 members, excluding the IOC member in India. The EC will therefore continue to have 16 members, including the IOC member, whereas the NSGA provides for a 15-member EC including the IOC member. The Ministry formalised this position by notification S.O. 4962(E) dated September 8, 2026, issued under Section 37(2) of the NSGA, exempting the IOA from Section 4(1)(b) to the extent necessary. This allows IOC member(s) to serve as ex-officio voting members in addition to the 15 elected members.

The amended provisions will apply to the forthcoming IOA elections. However, the SGBM did not decide when the election process would commence. Before the elections, the IOA must reconstitute the Athletes Commission and select Sportspersons of Merit as voting members of the General House.

Separately, on September 9, 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports notified a 20-member National Sports Election Panel under Section 16 of the Act. The panel will serve as Electoral Officers overseeing elections to National Sports Bodies. The panel includes former Chief Election Commissioners of India, former State Election Commissioners, former Deputy Election Commissioners and former Chief Electoral Officers.

The notification followed the National Sports Governance (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2026. That Order enabled the Central Government to notify the Election Panel without a recommendation from the National Sports Board, which has not yet been constituted.