The Indian Olympic Association has issued a press release announcing the reactivation of the National Olympic Academy (NOA) in Ahmedabad, marking a step towards introducing the Olympic Games in India. Former legendary sprinter Dr P.T. Usha will be seen at the forefront with this decision as the IOA President. Meanwhile, Gagan Narang, an Olympic medallist and IOA Vice President, will take charge as the NOA Director.
In addition to its reactivation, the IOA has confirmed the launch of the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP). The program will aim at fostering education and the development of India’s Olympic system. All these programs and their appointments were approved during the Executive Council meeting held on January 8, followed by the IOA General House Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 9 in Ahmedabad.
The meeting featured people from the National Sports Federations, athletes’ representatives, and the IOA office-personnel who reviewed past work done towards the development of India’s Olympic movement. The AGM meeting was headed by IOA President Usha, Sr. Vice President Ajay H. Patel, and Chief Executive Officer Raghu Iyer.
Usha during the AGM, addressed IOA’s continued work and development for athletes and the road towards fostering the Olympic movement in India.
She said, “This AGM reflects our collective commitment to reform, transparency, and above all, to our athletes. Over the last period, we have taken decisive steps to modernise the IOA and place athlete welfare at the heart of every initiative. Our journey is focused on building a strong, ethical, and globally respected Olympic movement for India.”
“As we honour the legacy of those who guided Indian sport before us, we also reaffirm our resolve to work together—federations, athletes, and administrators—to ensure that Indian sport continues to grow with integrity, inclusivity, and excellence,” she added.
The NOEDP is partnered with the National Sports Federations and State Olympic Associations for its collaboration to make sure it caters to all sport levels. The program is centred towards building Olympic education and athlete welfare, and career development and its support. Besides athletes, it also includes coaches, administration and the growth of sports governance.
Earlier, India had launched the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education at the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar for the Olympic movement in the country. This time, the NOA will operate as the centralised function for its education, research and dialogue.
