IOA to host India’s first National Athletes’ Forum in Ahmedabad on Jan 10

The landmark initiative aims to give athletes a direct and structured voice in shaping policies that impact their careers, welfare, and lives beyond competition.

The Forum will bring together current and former athletes, athlete representatives, and key stakeholders from across the country for focused, outcome-oriented discussions.

According to the IOA, the Forum will move beyond symbolic consultation, with athlete feedback being formally integrated into policy reforms and governance processes.

Key areas of discussion will include athlete rights and responsibilities, ethical and transparent governance, safe sport and integrity, mental health and well-being, anti-doping education, grievance redressal systems, and structured pathways for career transition after retirement from competitive sport.

Announcing the initiative, IOA President PT Usha described the Forum as a historic shift in the governance of Indian sport. “This is the first time in India’s sporting history that athletes are being brought together through a dedicated national platform to directly influence governance,” she said.

“Athlete voices can no longer remain on the periphery. This Forum marks a decisive move towards athlete-led reform, accountability and shared decision-making,” Usha added.

Emphasising the centrality of athlete welfare to sporting excellence, she said sustained success was impossible without protecting athlete dignity, safety and well-being.

“This Forum places athlete welfare at the heart of policy-making, not as an afterthought,” she said.

MC Mary Kom, Chair of the IOA Athletes’ Commission, said the Forum would offer athletes a credible platform to drive meaningful and lasting change.

“Athletes understand the system from the inside. This Forum gives us the opportunity to speak openly about challenges and solutions, and ensures that lived athlete experiences shape governance and reform,” she said.

Sharath Kamal, Vice Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, underlined the importance of timely athlete participation in decision-making.

“Too often, athletes feel the impact of decisions only after policies are framed. This Forum changes that dynamic by ensuring athletes are heard before decisions are taken, helping build a more transparent and accountable sporting ecosystem,” he said.

The selection of Ahmedabad as the host city reflects the IOA’s broader push to expand athlete engagement beyond traditional sporting hubs and ensure that reform-driven dialogue reaches athletes across regions.