A two-member delegation from the International Olympic Academy (IOA) on Friday met senior officials of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to explore collaborative programmes aimed at strengthening sports and Olympic education in India.
The delegation, comprising Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the International Olympic Academy, and Alexandra Karaiskou, visited the Sports Authority of India headquarters in New Delhi and held discussions with officials led by Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hari Ranjan Rao.
During the meeting, Asimakopoulos said he was impressed by the plan, strategy and long-term vision adopted by India to play a significant role in advancing the Olympic movement.
“After seeing the range of sports programmes being implemented by the government, we are keen to extend our support to strengthen Olympic education in the country,” he said, adding that the IOA is ready to share its expertise to train stakeholders in the sports ecosystem on the values of Olympism and the Olympic Games.
The meeting focused on potential collaboration between the IOA, the Sports Ministry, the Indian Olympic Association and the recently revived National Olympic Academy to design specialised programmes for Indian coaches, sports science professionals and physical education teachers.
Established in 1961 and based in ancient Olympia, Greece, the International Olympic Academy is the world’s only institution dedicated to promoting Olympic education and studies. It operates through a global network of National Olympic Academies, including one in India that has recently been revived.
Karaiskou said the discussions were productive and highlighted India’s concrete steps towards hosting major sporting events. “From the presentation by the Secretary Sports, it is evident that India is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games and has plans to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. We are particularly pleased that the National Olympic Academy in India has been revived, and we look forward to close collaboration with the Sports Authority of India to promote Olympic values,” she said.
Summing up the meeting, Secretary Sports Hari Ranjan Rao said the collaboration would help strengthen India’s sports education ecosystem. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s sports ecosystem is growing rapidly, and it is critical to create experts who can take the Olympic movement in India forward,” he said.
Rao added that the IOA could support India’s Olympic education initiatives through the development of globally benchmarked curricula tailored to Indian needs, skill-building programmes at premier educational institutions, certified courses for sports administrators, international masterclasses, and joint research and digital collaborations.
It was also proposed that India host a conclave of Global National Olympic Academies. Discussions are underway to collaborate with the Hellenic Olympic Committee for Olympic education and legacy knowledge exchange initiatives.
