New Delhi, India, December 31, 2025: In a decisive move to strengthen athlete-led governance and accountability in Indian sport, the Indian Olympic Association will organise the first National Athletes’ Forum on January 10, 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The Athletes’ Forum represents a firm commitment by the IOA to move beyond consultation and ensure that athletes play an active, influential role in shaping policies that affect their careers, welfare, and future.
The Forum will bring together current and former athletes, athlete representatives, and key stakeholders from across the country for direct, solution-oriented engagement.
IOA President PT Usha, said: “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. Athlete voices can no longer be peripheral – this Forum signals a decisive shift towards athlete-led reform, accountability, and shared decision-making.
“Sustained excellence in sport is impossible without safeguarding athlete dignity, safety, and well-being. This Forum makes it clear that athlete welfare is central to policy, and not an afterthought,” she added.
This Forum will focus on critical themes including athlete rights and responsibilities, ethical and transparent governance, safe sport and integrity, mental health and well-being, anti-doping education, grievance redressal and structured career transition pathways. Discussions will be geared towards converting athlete feedback into actionable reform.
Mary Kom, Chair of the IOA Athletes’ Commissions, stated: “Athletes know the system from the inside. This Forum gives us a credible platform to speak openly about the challenges and solutions, and to ensure that athlete experiences are reflected in governance and reform.”