In a move to enhance athlete-led governance in Indian sports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will organize the first National Athletes’ Forum on January 10 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Forum aims to address critical themes such as athlete rights, ethical governance, safe sport, mental health, anti-doping education, and career transition pathways. It will gather current and former athletes, representatives, and stakeholders for solution-oriented discussions.
The IOA plans to reveal participation details, agenda, and speakers in the coming days. PT Usha, IOA President, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that athletes will now have a direct influence on governance. She highlighted the importance of athlete welfare as a core policy aspect, not an afterthought, for sustained sporting excellence.
The Athletes’ Forum signifies IOA’s commitment to empowering athletes in policy-making processes that impact their careers and well-being. MC Mary Kom, Chair of the IOA Athletes’ Commission, noted that the Forum provides a platform for athletes to voice challenges and solutions. Sharath Kamal, Vice Chairman of the IOA Athletes’ Commission, highlighted the Forum’s role in ensuring athletes are heard before decisions are made, fostering transparency and accountability.
By choosing Ahmedabad as the venue, IOA aims to engage athletes from diverse regions and promote reform-driven dialogues across all sporting levels. The Forum is expected to bolster the Athletes’ Commission’s influence and contribute to athlete-centric governance in Indian sports.
