Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader and party’s former state unit chief Samir Mohanty is all set to become the president of the Odisha Olympic Association (OOA).
A formal announcement about his election is likely to be made on March 30. Mohanty’s appointment is almost certain as he is the lone candidate to file nomination for the post.
As per sources, 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 an important role in promoting sports and supporting athletes across various levels, serving as the governing body for sports in the state. The organisation 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.
Mohanty, who represents the Bhubaneswar Athletic Association, had started politics 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.
He was the Odisha BJP president for three years till January 16, 2023. He is set to join other newly elected office-bearers of OOA, including General Secretary Avijit Paul and Vice-President Binod Dash.
