New IOC Grant Aims to Support Olympians in Building Sustainable Careers

The International Olympic Committee has launched a new grant program aimed at providing financial support to Olympians, allowing them to build sustainable careers. Starting from the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, athletes can apply for a USD 10,000 grant for each event they participate in. This initiative, which has a total funding of USD 140 million, is expected to benefit around 14,000 Olympians. Notably, Indian winter athletes like Arif Mohammad Khan and Stanzin Lundup will be among the first beneficiaries. The program aims to alleviate financial burdens and inspire more youth to engage in winter sports, while also advocating for equal support for winter athletes compared to their summer counterparts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 17:24 IST

Financial Support for Olympians

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a new athlete support grant designed to provide essential financial assistance to Olympians, helping them establish sustainable careers. This initiative has been highlighted by Shiva Keshavan, India's most accomplished Winter Olympian.

Details of the Grant

As reported by Olympics.com, this initiative falls under the IOC's 'Fit for the Future' strategic framework. Starting from the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, every Olympian will be eligible to apply for a grant of USD 10,000 for each Olympic event they participate in. The program has a total funding of USD 140 million allocated for each Olympiad, aiming to assist approximately 14,000 athletes. Applications are set to open later this year, with the first disbursements expected in 2027.

Recognition Over Reward

Keshavan, who has competed in six Winter Olympics, emphasized that this financial aid should be perceived as acknowledgment rather than a reward. He stated, "The grant should not be viewed as 'transactional' since the essence of Olympism is rooted in its amateur ethos." He believes this initiative recognizes the sacrifices made by athletes to reach the Olympic level, providing them with a safety net to pursue sustainable careers.

Impact on Indian Winter Sports

Alpine skier Arif Mohammad Khan and Nordic cross-country skier Stanzin Lundup, who represented India at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, are among the first to benefit from this program. Lundup expressed optimism, stating that this initiative could inspire more youth to engage in winter sports in India. He remarked, "For a long time, we have had only a few athletes at the Winter Olympics, but that is changing now. With the best mountains and natural slopes for skiing, this grant will attract young talent, although we still need better infrastructure and support."

Addressing Financial Challenges

The financial strain on Indian winter athletes is considerable, as many must train abroad for extended periods, incurring costs for travel, accommodation, coaching, and equipment. Lundup believes the grant will alleviate some of this burden, allowing athletes to concentrate more on their training and improve their competitive standards.

Equal Support for Winter Athletes

Keshavan also called for winter athletes to receive support comparable to that of their summer counterparts. He noted, "The popularity of the Summer Olympics in India is due to star athletes who inspire future generations. Winter sports athletes deserve equal support as Summer Olympians; it is a fair request." He reflected on the significant challenges faced by winter sports in India, stating, "We encounter substantial obstacles."

Looking Ahead

Keshavan expressed hope that this new grant would pave the way for more athlete-focused initiatives. He noted that while IOC funding currently reaches athletes indirectly through National Olympic Committees via scholarships and training support, he anticipates that the new grant will signal the start of more direct support for athletes. He concluded, "With Olympians like former NBA star Pau Gasol Saez leading the IOC athletes commission and IOC president Kirsty Coventry, an Olympic swimming champion, at the forefront, athletes' perspectives will be prioritized."