IOA to Host First National Athletes’ Forum in Ahmedabad on January 10

New Delhi: In a significant step towards reinforcing athlete-centric governance in Indian sport, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will organise its inaugural National Athletes’ Forum on January 10 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The forum is designed to create a structured national platform where athletes can directly contribute to policy discussions and governance reforms. Key focus areas will include athletes’ rights and duties, ethical and transparent administration, safe sport and integrity, mental health and overall well-being, anti-doping awareness, effective grievance redressal mechanisms, and clearly defined career transition pathways beyond active competition. The discussions aim to translate athlete feedback into practical and implementable reforms.

The event will see participation from current and former athletes, athlete representatives, and other key stakeholders from across the country, enabling direct, solution-oriented dialogue on issues affecting the sporting ecosystem. The IOA has stated that further details regarding participation, the agenda, and speakers will be announced shortly.

Announcing the initiative, IOA President PT Usha said the forum marks a historic moment in Indian sport. “For the first time, athletes are being brought together through a dedicated national platform to actively influence governance. Athlete voices can no longer remain on the sidelines. This forum represents a clear shift towards athlete-led reform, accountability, and shared decision-making,” she said.

Emphasising the broader impact, Usha added that long-term sporting excellence cannot be achieved without protecting athletes’ dignity, safety, and well-being. “This initiative underlines that athlete welfare is central to policy formulation, not an afterthought,” she noted.

The National Athletes’ Forum underscores the IOA’s commitment to moving beyond consultation and ensuring that athletes have a meaningful and influential role in shaping policies that affect their careers and futures.

MC Mary Kom, Chair of the IOA Athletes’ Commission, highlighted the importance of athlete representation, stating, “Athletes understand the system from within. This forum gives us a credible space to speak candidly about challenges and solutions, and to ensure our lived experiences are reflected in governance and reform.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sharath Kamal, Vice Chairman of the IOA Athletes’ Commission, said the forum would help correct long-standing gaps in decision-making. “Athletes often feel the consequences of policies after decisions are already taken. This platform allows athletes to be heard at the right stage, before decisions are finalised, and will help create a more transparent and accountable sports environment,” he said.

The selection of Ahmedabad as the host city reflects the IOA’s intent to expand athlete engagement across regions and ensure that reform-oriented discussions reach athletes at all levels of the sporting structure.

The Athletes’ Forum is expected to further strengthen the role of the Athletes’ Commission and play a significant part in advancing athlete-focused governance in Indian sport.

With inputs from IANS