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Sports
IOA Sets Election Code, Bans Personal Criticism Ahead of Athletes' Commission Vote on Nov 3
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 01 Nov 2026, 06:55 AM
👁 10
The Indian Olympic Association announced a code of conduct that prohibits criticism of candidates' private lives as it prepares for the Athletes' Commission election on November 3 and the SOM polls on November 9.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has issued a formal election code of conduct that explicitly bars any criticism of the private lives of candidates contesting its internal elections. The directive is aimed at ensuring that the focus remains on professional credentials and policy positions rather than personal matters.
Under the new rules, candidates and supporters are prohibited from making remarks that target family, relationships, health or any other non‑public aspects of an individual's life. Violations could lead to disciplinary action, including disqualification from the election process.
The code comes as the IOA prepares to hold elections for ten seats on its Athletes' Commission on November 3. A second ballot to elect eight members of the Sports Olympiad Management (SOM) committee is scheduled for November 9. Both bodies play a key role in shaping athlete representation and governance within Indian sport.
By tightening the conduct guidelines, the IOA hopes to foster a more issue‑focused campaign environment and reinforce the integrity of its democratic processes ahead of these crucial votes.
Under the new rules, candidates and supporters are prohibited from making remarks that target family, relationships, health or any other non‑public aspects of an individual's life. Violations could lead to disciplinary action, including disqualification from the election process.
The code comes as the IOA prepares to hold elections for ten seats on its Athletes' Commission on November 3. A second ballot to elect eight members of the Sports Olympiad Management (SOM) committee is scheduled for November 9. Both bodies play a key role in shaping athlete representation and governance within Indian sport.
By tightening the conduct guidelines, the IOA hopes to foster a more issue‑focused campaign environment and reinforce the integrity of its democratic processes ahead of these crucial votes.