New Delhi, India, December 11, 2025: The Indian Olympic Association and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, December 10, to enhance bilateral cooperation in sports.
The agreement establishes a structured framework for the joint promotion of sports, exchange of expertise, and the mutual extension of access to each nation’s elite sporting infrastructure and high-performance centres for athletes, coaches, and sports science professionals.
The signing ceremony was attended by Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, reflecting the strong strategic commitment of both governments to deepen cooperation through sport.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said: “Today marks a proud moment for the Indian Olympic Movement. This partnership with CONI opens new horizons for our athletes to train, learn, and excel within one of the world’s most respected sporting systems.
“The exchange of knowledge, expertise, and infrastructure will play a pivotal role in elevating India’s global sporting performance. We look forward to a long and inspiring collaboration with our Italian counterparts,” she added.
Echoing this sentiment, Luciano Buonfiglio, President of CONI, noted: “Italy and India share a deep passion for sport, and this MoU represents an important step in strengthening that bond. By opening our high performance facilities and expertise to each other, we are building a bridge of excellence that will benefit both nations’ athletes for years to come. CONI is delighted to join hands with IOA in this forward-looking initiative.”
The MoU outlines structured plans for joint training camps, coaching exchanges, collaborative sports science programmes, and development pathways for emerging athletes, signalling a new era of cooperation between the two Olympic committees.
