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IOA Launches National Olympic Education Program, Reactivates Academy

The Indian Olympic Association has launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP) to deliver structured education across the sports ecosystem. Concurrently, it has formally reactivated the National Olympic Academy to serve as India's central hub for Olympic education and research. The IOA General House ratified P.T. Usha as President and Olympic medallist Gagan Narang as Director of the reactivated academy. These initiatives aim to build a values-driven, athlete-centric Olympic framework in alignment with international standards.

Key Points: IOA Launches National Olympic Education & Development Programme

  • NOEDP launched as national education framework
  • National Olympic Academy reactivated as education hub
  • P.T. Usha named NOA President, Gagan Narang as Director
  • Focus on athlete welfare and career transition
3 min read

IOA executive committee reactivates National Olympic Academy, launches NOED programme

Indian Olympic Association reactivates National Olympic Academy and launches NOEDP for athlete development and Olympic values education.

"a significant milestone in building a values-driven, athlete-centric, and future-ready Olympic ecosystem in India - Indian Olympic Association"

New Delhi, Jan 12

The Indian Olympic Association has significantly advanced India's Olympic efforts by launching the National Olympic Education and Development Programme and formally reactivating the National Olympic Academy.

These decisions were made during the IOA Executive Council meeting on January 8, 2026, and were unanimously approved by the IOA General House at its Annual General Meeting on January 9, 2026, both meetings held in Ahmedabad.

The initiatives showcase the IOA's renewed commitment to athlete-centred development, Olympic education, and strengthening institutional capacity, all in line with international best practices, the IOA informed in a release on Monday.

The National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP) has been conceived as a comprehensive national framework to deliver structured education and development programmes across the Olympic ecosystem. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with National Sports Federations (NSFs) and State Olympic Associations (SOAs), ensuring wide outreach and grassroots-to-elite impact.

The key focus areas of the NOEDP include promoting Olympic values, education and ethics, ensuring holistic athlete development with strong emphasis on welfare and career transition support, building the capacity of coaches, officials, administrators, and support personnel, strengthening governance, leadership, and professionalism within sports bodies, and implementing long-term athlete development models that are aligned with international standards.

The National Olympic Academy (NOA) has been reactivated as a key part of this initiative, serving as India's main hub for Olympic education, research, and dialogue. In addition to its academic and institutional functions, the NOA will collaborate directly with athletes to support their educational requirements, personal growth, leadership development, and comprehension of the Olympic movement, all alongside their athletic careers.

The IOA General House unanimously ratified P. T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, as the President of the National Olympic Academy, and Gagan Narang, Vice President of the IOA and Olympic medallist, as the Director of the same academy.

Under their leadership, the National Olympic Academy will work closely with the International Olympic Academy (IOA) in Olympia to ensure India's Olympic education programmes adhere to the Olympic Charter and international standards. This partnership will promote knowledge sharing, joint initiatives, research projects, and involvement in worldwide Olympic education activities forums.

The Indian Olympic Association noted that launching NOEDP and reactivating the NOA represent a significant milestone in building a values-driven, athlete-centric, and future-ready Olympic ecosystem in India, one that combines education, excellence, and ethical governance across all levels.

In a firm pledge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and India's vision of a Viksit Bharat, the IOA remains dedicated to athletes in the Olympic movement and enhancing the institutions that support sports nationwide.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who works in sports management, I appreciate the emphasis on governance and professionalism. Many NSFs need this structured support. Hoping the implementation is as robust as the plan and it actually reaches the grassroots in states beyond the usual hubs.
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Ananya R
Wonderful news! Teaching Olympic values and ethics is so important. Our athletes are role models. Combining education with sport will help them become better ambassadors for the country. Jai Hind!
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Vikram M
Good initiative on paper. My respectful criticism: We have a history of great announcements that lose steam. The key is consistent funding and transparency. Will the programme be accessible to athletes from smaller towns and rural backgrounds? That's the real test.
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Karthik V
Finally! A long-term development model. The reactive approach after every Olympics hasn't worked. Building institutional capacity is the way to go. Hope this leads to more sustainable success like in cricket.
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Priya S
Appointing legends who have been through the grind themselves is a masterstroke. They understand the challenges. The focus on holistic development, not just physical training, is what will create champions with character. All the best to the team!

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