New Delhi | December 30, 2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
IOA National Athletes’ Forum 2025:
In a landmark step towards athlete-centric governance, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will convene the country’s first National Athletes’ Forum on January 10, 2026, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The initiative aims to institutionalise athlete participation in sports governance and policy-making across India.
The forum will bring together current and former athletes, athlete representatives, and key stakeholders from across sporting disciplines for direct, solution-oriented discussions on governance, welfare, and reform.
Table of Contents
A Platform for Athlete-Led Reform
According to the IOA, the National Athletes’ Forum will focus on critical themes shaping modern sport, including:
1.Athlete rights and responsibilities
2.Ethical and transparent governance
3.Safe sport and integrity
4.Mental health and well-being
5.Anti-doping education
6.Grievance redressal mechanisms
7.Structured career transition pathways
The discussions will be geared towards translating athlete feedback into actionable reforms, signalling a move beyond symbolic consultation.
PT Usha: “Athlete Voices Can No Longer Be Peripheral”
Announcing the initiative, PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, described the forum as a historic first for Indian sport.
“This is the first time in India’s sporting history that athletes are being brought together through a dedicated national forum to directly influence governance,” Usha said.
“Athlete voices can no longer be peripheral. This Forum signals a decisive shift towards athlete-led reform, accountability, and shared decision-making.”
She further emphasised that athlete dignity, safety, and well-being must remain central to sports policy.
Mary Kom, Sharath Kamal Highlight Ground-Level Impact
MC Mary Kom, Chair of the IOA Athletes’ Commission, underlined the importance of lived experience in governance.
“Athletes know the system from the inside. This Forum gives us a credible platform to speak openly about challenges and solutions,” she said.
Echoing this sentiment, Sharath Kamal, Vice Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, noted that policy decisions often impact athletes after the fact.
“This Forum changes that equation. It allows athletes to be heard at the right time—before decisions are taken,” Kamal stated.
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Why Ahmedabad?
Choosing Ahmedabad as the host city reflects the IOA’s intent to broaden regional participation and ensure reform-driven conversations reach athletes at all levels, not just elite centres.
The IOA said that details regarding participation, agenda, and speakers will be announced in due course.
A Step Towards Athlete-Centred Governance
The National Athletes’ Forum is expected to strengthen the role of the IOA Athletes’ Commission and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of transparent, accountable, and athlete-centred governance in Indian sport.
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