Saina Nehwal, Anju Bobby George elected to Indian sports merit body

Saina Nehwal and Anju Bobby George have secured positions among the Sportsperson of Merit (SOM) representatives following elections held among India's elite athlete body. The SOM comprises 80 distinguished athletes, equally divided between 40 men and 40 women, who serve as the electoral college for selecting four female representatives to key sports governance positions. P.T. Usha, the legendary sprinter and former Olympian, failed to secure election in the voting process, marking a notable absence from the newly constituted body. Nehwal, who has represented India in badminton at multiple Olympic Games, and Bobby George, the decorated long jumper known for her national records, are among those elected to the merit body. The SOM electoral college plays a significant role in Indian sports administration, participating in decisions that shape the governance and development of athletic programmes across the nation. The election results reflect the voting preferences of the current athlete membership, who assess their peers based on sporting achievements and contributions to Indian athletics.