The Indian Olympic Association will organize its first National Athletes' Forum January 10th, in Ahmedabad. A significant initiative, especially as Indian sport wants to pick up the pacewith the aim of shining at home during the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic GamesThe Forum will bring together athletes (active and retired), athlete representatives and key stakeholders from across the country.
« This is the first time in India's sporting history that athletes have been brought together in a dedicated national forum in order todirectly influence governance, comments the president of the IOA, PT Usha. The voice of athletes can no longer be marginalized: This forum marks a decisive turning point towards athlete-led reform, accountability, and shared decision-making. Sustainable excellence in sport is impossible without protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of athletes. This forum clearly demonstrates that The well-being of athletes is at the heart of our policy and is not a secondary consideration. »
This forum will focus on themes such as athletes' rights and responsibilities, ethical and transparent governance, safety and integrity in sport, mental health, anti-doping education, and career transition pathways. Objective: converting athletes' feedback into concrete reforms. " The athletes know the system from the inside. This forum offers us a credible platform to speak openly about the challenges and solutions, and to to ensure that athletes' experiences are taken into account in governance and reforms " explains Mary Kom, chair of the IOA athletes' commission.
