New Delhi witnessed a pivotal meeting on January 30 as a delegation from the International Olympic Academy (IOA), led by Director Makis Asimakopoulos and Alexandra Karaiskou, visited the headquarters of the Indian sports authority. They engaged in detailed discussions with senior officials under the guidance of Sports Ministry Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.
Asimakopoulos expressed profound admiration for the comprehensive strategy crafted by the Sports Ministry to elevate India’s role in the Olympic movement. ‘The plans, strategies, and vision laid out by the ministry have left me deeply impressed,’ he stated during the session.
Highlighting IOA’s enthusiasm, he noted that after reviewing India’s array of government-led sports initiatives, the academy is eager to bolster Olympic education across the nation. The focus is on imparting expertise in Olympism and the core values of the Olympic Games to players within India’s sports ecosystem, ensuring the youth grasp these principles thoroughly.
The agenda centered on fostering collaboration between IOA, the Sports Ministry, the Indian Olympic Association, and the recently revived National Olympic Academy. Tailored programs for Indian coaches, sports science experts, and physical education teachers aim to fortify sports education in the country.
Established in 1961 and located in ancient Olympia, Greece, IOA stands as the world’s sole institution dedicated to promoting Olympic pedagogy and research. It boasts a global network of National Olympic Academies, including India’s, which has been revitalized after a long hiatus.
Alexandra Karaiskou echoed the sentiment, describing the talks as ‘outstanding.’ She praised the Sports Secretary’s presentation, which showcased India’s firm steps toward hosting the Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics. ‘It’s heartening to see the National Olympic Academy in India revived after so many years. We look forward to partnering with IOA and the Indian sports authority to promote Olympic values here,’ she added.
Sports Secretary Rao deemed the inaugural meeting a resounding success. ‘We aim to deepen this partnership, drawing from IOA’s vast experience to strengthen our sports education framework,’ he said. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s sports ecosystem is expanding rapidly, necessitating the development of experts to propel the Olympic movement forward.
Rao outlined potential avenues for IOA’s support: crafting global-standard curricula for India, expanding skilling ecosystems in top educational institutions, offering certified courses for administrators, hosting masterclasses by international experts, and pursuing joint research alongside digital collaborations. Additionally, India is proposed to host a conclave for global National Olympic Academies, marking a new chapter in Olympic education.