The Indian Olympic Association Athletes Commission has taken a historic stride towards shaping an athlete-first environment in Indian sports. In a landmark meeting at Olympic Bhawan in New Delhi, attended by prominent names including Sharath Kamal, OP Kharana, Bhavani Devi, and Shiva Keshavan, along with online participation from Rani Rampal, PV Sindhu, Bajrang Lal, Abhinav Bindra, and Gagan Narang, the Commission outlined a powerful vision for athlete empowerment.
Gratitude was extended to IOA President Dr. PT Usha and the Executive Council for creating a platform where athletes’ voices can be heard and acted upon. Among the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to set up a dedicated Athletes Department within the IOA. This department will be staffed with professionals who are committed to addressing athlete needs and ensuring that feedback flows through a structured and effective channel.
A major priority discussed was strengthening athlete representation within the governance structure. The IOA will reach out to every National Sports Federation to gather details of their Athletes Commission representatives, creating a network of voices that can offer valuable insights across all sports disciplines. This move is set to ensure that athletes have a real and consistent influence in decision-making processes.
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The Commission also placed strong emphasis on safeguarding athlete rights and welfare, with plans to establish a robust protection mechanism. Education on anti-doping practices will be prioritised through collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency, reinforcing the importance of fair play and integrity in sport.
Beyond active competition, the Commission is focusing on the future of athletes once they retire from professional sport. Plans are underway to design a career pathway that will open doors for athletes in coaching, sports administration, and other fields, ensuring their skills and experience continue to benefit the sporting ecosystem. As an immediate step, the IOA will bring two Olympians on board as interns to contribute to ongoing programs and initiatives.
With these measures, the IOA Athletes Commission is signalling a new era where the athlete’s voice is not just heard but drives the direction of Indian sports.
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