New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) A team from the International Olympic Academy (IOA), under the leadership of Dr. Makis Asimakopoulos, Director, and Ms. Alexandra Karaiskou, Head of NOAS/NOCs Relations, conducted an official meeting with P. T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), at the Indian Olympic Association headquarters on Monday.

The International Olympic Academy commended the IOA for reactivating the National Olympic Academy of India, recognizing this move as a vital institutional advancement to bolster the Olympic Movement in India through education, ethical leadership, and sustainable capacity-building.

The National Olympic Academy (NOA) was reactivated on January 9. It will serve as India's primary center for Olympic education, research, and discourse. In addition to academic and institutional roles, the NOA will partner with athletes to support their educational needs, personal development, leadership skills, and understanding of the Olympic movement while pursuing their athletic careers.

The delegation also expressed appreciation for the appointments of Olympians PT Usha as Chairperson and Gagan Narang as Director of the National Olympic Academy of India, emphasizing the significance of athlete leadership in promoting credible, inclusive, and athlete-focused Olympic education initiatives.

According to an IOA release, "The meeting, attended by Raghuram Iyer, CEO of the Indian Olympic Association, reaffirmed both institutions' commitment to enhancing Olympic Education in India and further integrating the Indian National Olympic Academy within the global Olympic education framework."

"The discussions revolved around the development of structured Olympic Education programs with clearly defined objectives, building educator capacity, engaging youth, and facilitating international knowledge exchange. Special attention was given to the role of the National Olympic Academy as the central intellectual and educational institution of Olympism in India, supporting good governance, ethical leadership, and sustainable sports development in line with the long-term priorities of the Olympic Movement," it further stated.

IOA chief PT Usha emphasized the importance of education in fostering integrity, inclusion, and sustainability in sports, reiterating the Indian Olympic Association's commitment to enhancing governance, safeguarding athletes' welfare, and nurturing future sports leaders through the National Olympic Academy, in close collaboration with the International Olympic Academy.

Both organizations echoed their shared responsibility to uphold Olympic values, including ethics, fair play, respect, inclusion, and integrity, as fundamental to the credibility and trustworthiness of sports.

Education focused on athlete welfare, encompassing mental health, safeguarding, anti-doping measures, and transition support beyond their competitive careers was identified as a priority area, alongside the meaningful involvement of athletes in educational initiatives and governance processes.

Youth engagement and leadership development were acknowledged as essential elements for ensuring the long-term relevance and sustainability of the Olympic Movement in India.

The meeting also underscored the importance of preserving and documenting India's Olympic history and sporting legacy, ensuring diversity and representation across regions, genders, and sporting disciplines.

The International Olympic Academy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Indian National Olympic Academy through institutional exchanges, joint programs, and participation in international sessions.

"Both organizations concurred on the necessity of a clear, long-term strategic framework, backed by sustainable funding models, transparent governance, and measurable outcomes, to ensure the ongoing development and impact of the National Olympic Academy of India," the release concluded.