Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha BJP president Samir Mohanty is set to take the reins as President of the Odisha Olympic Association (OOA), with a formal announcement slated for March 30.
As the lone candidate to file nomination for the post, Mohanty’s appointment is all but certain.
According to reports, Avijit Paul has retained his position as General Secretary, while all 22 office-bearers of the Odisha Olympic Association (OOA) have been elected unopposed for a four-year term from 2025 to 2029. The election results will be officially announced on March 30.
The Odisha Olympic Association plays a vital role in promoting sports and supporting athletes across various levels, serving as the governing body for sports in the state. The organization oversees multiple sports associations, including cricket, football, hockey, tennis, and badminton. Additionally, the OOA is responsible for selecting athletes to represent India in major international competitions.
Notably, Samir Mohanty, the former president of the BJP Odisha State Unit, has been elected as the President of OOA, representing the Bhubaneswar Athletic Association. Mohanty has a strong background in politics, having started as a student leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) before becoming a full-time politician. He had also contested the Assembly election from the Ekamra-Bhubaneswar seat in 2009.
Mohanty, who previously served as the Odisha BJP president for three years until January 16, 2023, will be joined by other newly elected office-bearers, including General Secretary Avijit Paul and Vice-President Binod Dash.
