Ahmedabad, Gujarat — In a landmark shift for Indian sport, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set to host its inaugural National Athletes’ Forum on January 10 in Ahmedabad, building momentum not only for athlete empowerment but also as the city prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
For decades, Indian athletes have often found themselves on the periphery of decision-making—with policies affecting selections, funding, mental health support, and post-career planning shaped without their input. The IOA’s new forum aims to change that narrative by placing athletes at the heart of policy discussions.
“Athlete voices can no longer be peripheral — this Forum signals a decisive shift towards athlete-led reform, accountability, and shared decision-making,” said IOA President P T Usha, underscoring the association’s commitment to athlete-centred governance. (Source -ndtv )
A New Era of Athlete Engagement
The National Athletes’ Forum will convene current and former athletes, athlete representatives, and key stakeholders to tackle core issues including:
- Athlete rights and responsibilities
- Ethical and transparent governance
- Mental health and well-being
- Anti-doping education
- Grievance redressal mechanisms
- Structured career transition pathways
These discussions are designed not just to listen to concerns, but to convert feedback into actionable reforms shaping the future of Indian sport.
“Athletes know the system from the inside… this Forum gives us a credible platform to speak openly about challenges and solutions,” said MC Marykom, Chair of the IOA Athletes’ Commission.
Veteran table tennis star Sharath Kamal, Vice-Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, added:
“As athletes, we often feel the impact of policies long after decisions are made… this Forum allows athletes to be heard at the right time — before decisions are taken.”
The timing of this forum is significant. Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking India’s return to hosting the prestigious multi-sport event and a major milestone in its global sporting ambitions.
As the city prepares for the Centenary edition of the Games, athlete input on governance, welfare, and policy will be increasingly vital. With this forum, the IOA is signalling that robust systems and athlete welfare are as important as medals and infrastructure in measuring sporting success.
In a rapidly evolving sporting landscape, Indian athletes may soon find their voices carrying not just on the field, but in the boardrooms where the future of sport is decided.
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