India, Oct. 20 -- Union minister of state for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Sunday said that the forthcoming elections of the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA) will be conducted in a "friendly and sportive atmosphere", even as a direct contest shapes up between him and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar for the post of MOA president.

The election, scheduled for November 2, will see around 60 voters - two representatives each from three affiliated organisations - elect the new president. Pawar, who has already served three consecutive terms as MOA president, is seeking a fourth. Mohol, a first-time contender, has entered the fray through the wrestling federation, while Pawar has filed his nomination via the kabaddi association.

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