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New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) approved several changes to the constitution at its special general body meeting on Tuesday. These changes have been made under the rules of the National Sports Administration Act (NSGA).

After these changes, IOA officials will be able to contest elections at a higher age than before and will be able to remain in office for a longer period.

The IOA Executive Committee had approved these changes on August 19 itself. These were given final approval in the special general body meeting on Tuesday.

Now there is a chance to contest elections till the age of 75

According to the old rules of IOA, a person who had completed 70 years of age could not contest elections. Under the new rules, now a person aged between 70 to 75 years can contest elections or be nominated for any post.

However, for this it is necessary to have permission in the charter and rules of the International Olympic Committee.

Now you will be able to hold office for three consecutive terms

Earlier, no IOA official was allowed to hold office for more than two consecutive terms. After completing two terms, he had to stay away from the post for some time. This is called cooling off period.

Now under the new rules, a person can hold the post of President, General Secretary or Treasurer for three consecutive terms.

These three terms may be in the same position or in different positions. For this, it will not be necessary to take a cooling off period in between.

No change in the number of members in the Executive Council

The IOA has incorporated most of the NSGA rules into its constitution. However, it has been decided to continue the old rule regarding the number of members in the Executive Council.

Under this, there will be 15 members in the Executive Council of IOA, excluding the IOC member.

At present, the Executive Council of IOA has a total of 16 members including IOC member from India. IOC members have the right to vote as ex-officio members.

At the same time, in the National Sports Administration Act 2025, a provision has been made for a 15-member Executive Council including IOC members.

IOC has no major objection to the changes

IOA Executive Council member Rohit Rajpal said that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has seen the changes made in the constitution. The IOC has basically no objection to these changes.

IOA had earlier sent the initial draft of changes in the constitution to IOC. Rajpal said that IOA has to set an example before other national sports federations also. Now the constitution of IOA has become as per the rules of NSGA.

No decision yet on IOA elections

No decision was taken in Tuesday's meeting on starting the IOA election process before December 10.

The current office-bearers, headed by PT Usha, were elected for a four-year term on December 10, 2022.

According to an IOA executive council member, the government will first form a committee of people who can handle the responsibility of election officer. After this, the Executive Council of IOA will select one of them as election officer.

There will be changes in the players commission before the elections

The Players Commission will also be reconstituted before the new IOA elections. Along with this, players who have achieved achievements in sports i.e. 'Sportsperson of Merit' will be selected.

These players will be included as voting members in the General Body of IOA. After this, the process of election of new officials will proceed.