Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, held a meeting with Lord Sebastian Coe, President, World Athletics, International Federation for Athletics, and Member, International Olympic Committee in New Delhi today. Lord Sebastian Coe was accompanied by Mr. Jon Ridgeon, Chief Executive Officer, World Athletics and Ms. Helen Delany, Director, International Relations & Development, World Athletics.

A host of issues relating to India’s intent to host Olympics in 2036 and development of athletics from grassroots to achieving excellence in India were discussed in the meeting. Union Minister apprised President, World Athletics of the Letter of Intent sent by India to the IOC to host the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.

Dr. Mandaviya spoke about India’s resolve to host a sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring Games, and added that our ambition to host Olympics 2036 reflects the widespread support at every level—government, industry, and society—for showcasing India’s cultural heritage and sporting capabilities at the world stage. He spoke at length about India’s aspirations to build on the legacy of the previous host cities, incorporating the lessons learnt, to achieve Games that prioritize sustainability and celebrate diversity.

Union Minister informed President, World Athletics that India recognizes the pivotal role World Athletics plays in shaping the global sports ecosystem and the Ministry would look forward to deepening our collaboration with the World body and to seek their guidance in promoting excellence in the discipline of athletics, so that more and more athletes from India reach podium in Olympics and other international events.

Dr. Mandaviya also informed the delegation of World Athletics about framing of the draft National Sports Policy, 2024, envisioning leveraging sports for nation-building, economic and social development, and fostering a grassroots-to-global excellence pipeline and also about the draft National Sports Governance Bill recently placed in the public domain for consultation, which aims to ensure transparency, good governance, and ethical practices in sports bodies sports federations, aligned with international best practices and Olympic values.

Mr. Adille Sumariwala, President, Athletics Federation of India, Shri Ravinder Chaudhary, Secretary General, Athletics Federation of India, Secretary, Department of Sports and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.  

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Himanshu Pathak