India's Olympic Movement Strengthened with New Education Program and Academy Reactivation

The Indian Olympic Association has launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP) and reactivated the National Olympic Academy (NOA) to enhance athlete development and education. These initiatives aim to create a values-driven Olympic ecosystem in India, focusing on athlete welfare, education, and ethical governance. With the leadership of PT Usha and Gagan Narang, the NOA will collaborate with international bodies to align India's programs with global standards. This marks a significant step towards strengthening the Olympic movement in the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 01:58 IST

Strengthening India's Olympic Framework

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has made significant strides in enhancing the country's Olympic movement by introducing the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP) and reactivating the National Olympic Academy (NOA).

These pivotal decisions were reached during the IOA Executive Council meeting on January 8 and received unanimous support from the IOA General House at its Annual General Meeting on January 9, both held in Ahmedabad, as reported by a release from the IOA.

These initiatives underscore the IOA's commitment to athlete-focused development, Olympic education, and building institutional capacity, in line with global best practices.

The NOEDP serves as a comprehensive framework aimed at delivering structured educational and developmental programs throughout the Olympic ecosystem. This program will be executed in partnership with National Sports Federations (NSFs) and State Olympic Associations (SOAs), ensuring extensive outreach and impact from grassroots to elite levels.

As a key element of this initiative, the NOA has been reactivated to act as the primary institution for Olympic education, research, and dialogue in India. In addition to its academic responsibilities, the NOA will directly engage with athletes, assisting them with educational needs, personal growth, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the Olympic movement throughout their careers.

The IOA General House has unanimously appointed PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, as the President of the National Olympic Academy, while Gagan Narang, the IOA Vice President and Olympic medallist, will serve as the Director of the Academy.

Under their guidance, the National Olympic Academy will work closely with the International Olympic Academy (IOA) in Olympia to ensure that India's Olympic education programs align with the Olympic Charter and international best practices. This partnership will promote knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, research projects, and participation in global Olympic education forums.

The IOA emphasized that the introduction of the NOEDP and the reactivation of the NOA represent a significant milestone in establishing a values-driven, athlete-centric, and future-ready Olympic ecosystem in India—one that integrates education, excellence, and ethical governance at all levels.

In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's vision for a developed India, the IOA is dedicated to prioritizing athletes within the Olympic movement while reinforcing the institutions that support sports nationwide.

Key focus areas of the NOEDP include: promoting Olympic values, education, and ethics; supporting holistic athlete development, welfare, and career transitions; enhancing the capacity of coaches, officials, administrators, and support staff; improving governance, leadership, and professionalism within sports organizations; and developing long-term athlete development models that meet international standards.