International Olympic Committee Members: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Anurag Thakur held meetings over two days last week on (October 13th and 14th, 2023) with several members of International Olympic Committee (IOC) who are holding key positions in various sports organisations across the globe, ahead of the 141st Session of the IOC in Mumbai. The IOC session is underway in Mumbai, as per schedule from October 15-17, 2023.
Prior to the start of the two-day IOC Meet, the Union YAS Minister on Saturday (October 14, 2023) said that it is a momentous occasion that the IOC session is being held in India. “I welcome all members of the committee and hope that the session will be successful and result in announcements for new additions to the Olympic Games,” the Union Minister said.
In a series of bilateral meetings held with members of various international-level sports federations and office-bearers of the IOC, the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur spoke about the exchange of knowledge in sports science and medicine, aiming to enhance the well-being and performance of Indian athletes.
The collaboration involved exploring research ventures to drive innovation in training methods, equipment, and the implementation of digital coaching and training in sports and other related domains. The Union YAS Minister had held bilateral meetings with President of the International Association of Athletics Federations Lord Sebastian Coe and President of World Rowing Federation Jean-Christophe Rolland, in Mumbai on Friday.
The Union YAS Minister, on Saturday, met IOC President Thomas Bach, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio, IOC Executive Board Member and President of UWW Wrestling Nenad Lelovic, President of International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parson, Secretary-General of Association of National Olympic Committees Gunilla Lindberg, IOC Member and Chair of Future Games Commission, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, International Hockey Federation President Tayyab Ikram, President of International Cycling Federation David Lappertient, and President of World Anti-Doping Agency Wiltold Banka.
The Rajya Sabha MP, former Olympian and Track and Field Athlete and the President of the Indian Olympic Association P.T. Usha was also present in the bilateral meetings.
Pitching for Cricket to be included in Olympics, the Union YAS Minister said, if cricket is included in Olympics, it will be easy for governments around the world to allocate budgets for the game. Therefore, such a decision will help create sports infrastructure for cricket. “It is the vision of PM Modi to make India a sporting super-power. Projects worth Rs. 3000 crore are ongoing to improve sports infrastructure in the country. Under initiatives like Khelo India Scheme and others, the government is supporting sportspersons with the best facilities to equip them to perform better,” he said.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Mumbai on Saturday. The Session provides an opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing among the various stakeholders related to sports. The 141st IOC Session is being attended by the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, as well as other IOC members, alongside notable Indian sports figures and representatives from different sports federations, including the Indian Olympic Association.
The IOC session, a crucial gathering of IOC members, is where significant decisions pertaining to the future of the Olympic games are made. Taking place in India, the 141st IOC Session reflects the nation\’s commitment to promoting global collaboration, honoring sporting achievements, and advancing the Olympic principles of friendship, respect, and excellence. This event facilitates interaction and the exchange of knowledge among diverse stakeholders in the sports arena.
