New Delhi: India took a key step towards strengthening Olympic education on Friday as a delegation from the International Olympic Academy (IOA) held talks with the Sports Ministry in New Delhi. The discussions focused on building skills, values, and expertise across the country’s growing sports ecosystem.
The IOA delegation was led by its Director, Makis Asimakopoulos, along with Alexandra Karaiskou. They met senior officials of the ministry and the Sports Authority of India, headed by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.
During the interaction, the IOA leadership praised India’s long-term sports planning. They expressed interest in supporting Olympic education through structured training and value-based learning programmes, according to an official statement.
The proposed collaboration aims to train coaches, sports science professionals, and physical education teachers. It will focus on Olympism, ethic,s and the broader Olympic movement among young athletes.
Officials discussed joint work with the Indian Olympic Association and the revived National Olympic Academy. The goal is to create India-specific programmes using global best practices.
The IOA delegation also noted India’s growing ambitions in global sports hosting. They welcomed the revival of the National Olympic Academy and expressed readiness for close cooperation with Indian institutions.
The Sports Ministry outlined plans to develop standardised Olympic education curricula. These may include certified courses, masterclasses by international experts, and digital learning platforms.
India may also host a global conclave of National Olympic Academies in the future. Talks are underway for collaboration with the Hellenic Olympic Committee to enable long-term knowledge exchange.
