IOA to Host Inaugural National Athletes Forum in Ahmedabad on January 10 for Athlete Governance

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set to host its inaugural National Athletes Forum on January 10 in Ahmedabad. This event aims to enhance athlete-led governance and accountability in Indian sports.

The forum will gather current and former athletes, athlete representatives, and key stakeholders for direct, solution-focused discussions, as stated by the IOA.

The forum's agenda includes addressing vital issues such as athlete rights, ethical governance, safe sport practices, mental health, anti-doping education, grievance redressal, and career transition pathways. These discussions aim to transform athlete feedback into actionable reforms. The IOA believes this initiative will bolster the Athletes Commission's role and contribute to athlete-centred

governance evolution.

Athlete-Centred Governance

According to the IOA, this forum signifies a commitment to ensuring athletes actively shape policies impacting their careers and welfare. It marks a historic moment in Indian sports where athletes can directly influence governance through a national platform. "Athlete voices can no longer be peripheral," said IOA President P T Usha, highlighting the shift towards athlete-led reform and shared decision-making.

MC Marykom, Chair of the IOA Athletes Commission, emphasised the importance of this platform. "Athletes know the system from the inside. This Forum gives us a credible platform to speak openly about challenges and solutions, and to ensure that athlete experiences are reflected in governance and reform," she stated.

Empowering Athlete Voices

Sharath Kamal, Vice Chairman of the IOA Athletes Commission, added that athletes often feel policy impacts long after decisions are made. "This Forum changes that equation. It allows athletes to be heard at the right time - before decisions are taken - and helps build a more transparent and accountable sporting ecosystem," he explained.

The IOA's initiative underscores its dedication to moving beyond mere consultation with athletes. By involving them directly in policy-making processes, it aims to ensure that their welfare is central to sports policy rather than an afterthought. This approach is seen as essential for sustained excellence in sports by safeguarding athlete dignity and well-being.

The IOA will also conduct its Annual General Meeting in Ahmedabad on January 9, just before the National Athletes Forum. This sequence of events highlights the association's focus on strengthening governance structures within Indian sports.

With inputs from PTI