New Delhi, March 16 (UNI) Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha emphasised the need for athlete-first governance, saying the future of Indian sport must place athletes’ preparation, welfare, and development at the centre of all decision-making.
Speaking on Day 3 of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the SJFI National Convention at the India Habitat Centre, Usha said India’s sporting ecosystem has improved over the past decade with better infrastructure, scientific training, and institutional support.
However, she stressed that the real strength of Indian sport lies at the grassroots level, in villages, towns, and schools, where young talent continues to emerge.
“Athlete-first governance must guide the future of Indian sport. Their preparation, welfare, and development must remain our highest priority,” Usha said, urging administrators and sporting bodies to focus on nurturing talent from the ground up.
She also lauded the role of sports journalism in inspiring young athletes, noting that reporters are not just chroniclers of results but storytellers capturing the struggles and triumphs of athletes.
IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer highlighted that India is at a pivotal stage in its sporting journey, with growing investment and participation shaping the nation’s ambitions.
He stressed building a strong grassroots ecosystem through mass participation and community engagement while providing elite athletes with world-class resources.
Iyer further said India aims to host major international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games, as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen infrastructure and lay the foundation for hosting the Olympic Games in the future.
