Former India sprinter Ashwini Nachappa has alleged that she was forced to withdraw from the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) Sportspersons of Merit (SOM) elections under external pressure, raising fresh questions over the transparency of the electoral process. Nachappa said the decision was not voluntary and expressed disappointment with the state of sports governance in the country.

The 59-year-old was among the original 11 candidates contesting for four women's SOM positions in the elections held virtually on Monday. Speaking to PTI on Wednesday, Nachappa claimed that she and other candidates were asked to pull out, but did not identify who exerted the pressure or explain how the withdrawals were communicated.

"I was asked to pull out. All those who withdrew were asked to withdraw under external pressure. It wasn't voluntary, I can say that much... that speaks volumes about transparency," she said.

"If the opportunity came and if there was fairness, I would have stayed on. But sadly the very ethics and values of Olympic sport has been erased completely, I thought there was no point (fighting the SOM elections)," she added.

Five female candidates, including Nachappa, withdrew on November 7, leaving six in the contest for four positions. Incumbent IOA president PT Usha finished fifth with 40 votes, missing out on a place in the General Assembly. Anju Bobby George, Rani Rampal, Dola Banerjee and Saina Nehwal secured the four positions. Usha's defeat has complicated her bid for a second presidential term, although she could still enter the General Assembly through a nomination by a National Sports Federation.

NACHAPPA QUESTIONS ETHICS IN SPORTS GOVERNANCE

Nachappa, who competed at two Asian Games and won three Asian Championships gold medals in the women's 4x400m relay, said she had entered the electoral process hoping to contribute to Indian sport. However, she felt the circumstances surrounding the withdrawals left little reason to continue.

She also criticised the role played by some athletes in the process, arguing that the values associated with Olympism were not being upheld. Nachappa said she would now return to running her educational institution in Karnataka, which has around 900 students.

IOA ELECTIONS HIT BY FRESH COMPLAINTS

The SOM elections have already been clouded by allegations of campaigning and possible interference. Usha lodged a complaint with electoral officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, accusing former archer Dola Banerjee of violating the Model Code of Conduct by circulating a WhatsApp message seeking votes for the 'New Bharat Panel'.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sathish Sivalingam also complained of an organised effort to influence voters and alleged that IOA resources were being used to support a candidate. He did not name Usha in his complaint.

The IOA Executive Council elections are scheduled for December 5, with the latest allegations adding to the uncertainty surrounding the association's leadership transition.

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