Bharat Centre of Olympic Research & Education (BCORE) at Rashtriya Raksha University inaugurated the 2nd Edition of International Olympic Research Conference on 27th January, 2026. This prestigious event will be hosted from 27th to 30th January, 2026, bringing together various experts from the fields of sports, Olympic research and academia, celebrating the theme of “Education, Research and Governance: The Sustainable Olympic Ecosystem”. The opening ceremony featured Professor Makis Asimakopoulos (Director of International Olympic Academy) as the Chief Guest and Keynote speaker, with the Vice Chancellor of RRU, Prof. Dr. Bimal N Patel and Dr. Utsav Chaware delivering welcome speeches.

Following the introductory address, Mr. Yash Sharma, I/C Director and Assistant Professor, at Rashtriya Raksha University, highlighted the importance of Olympics, emphasizing the significance of Olympic oriented research and conferences. Further, Mr. Sharma went on to share the message from Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Bhupendra Patel, which underscored the value of sports in the lives of young boys and girls, viewing it as a “laboratory of live experiments in life.” Mr. Patel shed light on the ‘Khelo India’ initiative, proposed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to ensure the spirited participation of young Indians in sports activities, related educational practices and ultimately leading to a win in Olympics. He expressed his utmost delight to learn about the 2nd Edition of the International Olympic Research Conference.

Dr. Utsav Chaware, Director of Bharat Centre for Olympic Research and Education, briefed the audience about the conference, presented the Mission and Vision of the event. Dr. Chaware outlined the necessity to invest in research and knowledge creation to ensure India’s rise as the global sport performer. BCORE, now 1.6 years old, is hosting its second edition, which began on 23rd June 2024, with a core focus on knowledge creation through Olympic education. So far, BCORE has inaugurated 6 publications called Dristi (Vision Olympics), Bharat Beyond Compliance (Anti-Doping Education and Research Report), Abstracts book, abstract book 2, IORC 1 brochure and IORC 2 brochure. At the same time, this centre highlighted 2 more books one is world police fire games and Olympic Intersections: the games at the crossroads of global research.

He also added that the objective is not merely to provide ready-made solutions but to identify real problem statements and address them through scientific and academic methods. This initiative integrates education, research, and government engagement. Looking ahead, 2029 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will mark a major milestone with World Police collaboration. This is not just an event it is an academic engagement aimed at shaping the future of sports and Olympic education in India. A formal declaration was also made announcing the partnership with industry. Team GB Sports, a venture of Gobananas, has joined as an academic - industrial partner, introducing Olympic Research Grants. This collaboration reflects the belief that industries which value research and knowledge creation are those that ultimately generate real impact and progress.

Professor (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of RRU, highlighted sport as a living form of multilateralism an arena where dialogue, trust, and cooperation prevail over division. He emphasized that the Olympic Movement is not merely about competition, but about peace, inclusion, and sustainable development. He underlined India’s growing commitment to sport as a nation-building force through initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India, TOPS, and the National Sports Policy 2025. Citing India’s historic performances at the Asian Games and Paralympics, he noted that sustained investment in sport yields dividends in unity, aspiration, and global confidence. Stressing the importance of clean and ethical sport, he referred to the National Anti-Doping Act and NADA’s education-driven initiatives as pillars of integrity. He showcased RRU’s Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE) as Asia’s first dedicated Olympic research facility, positioning India as a knowledge leader in Olympic Studies. “This is not merely an event, but an academic engagement,” he stated, calling for rigorous research, evidence-led policy, and ethical governance to shape the future of sport. The conference, he affirmed, will serve as a global platform where ideas, institutions, and nations connect strengthening sport as a force for peace, development, and multilateral cooperation.

Chief Guest Prof. Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the International Olympic Academy, thanked Rashtriya Raksha University for the invitation and stated that the gathering reflects a shared belief in the transformative power of Olympic Education. He emphasized that the Olympics are not merely about sport, but represent a philosophy of life rooted in values that educate young minds and shape responsible citizens. Recalling the spirit of the 1896 Olympic revival, he noted that Olympism connects sport with life through ideals, ethics, and education. He highlighted that knowledge alone is insufficient unless it is transformed into meaningful education. He expressed confidence in India not only as one of the world’s largest Nations but also one with one of the richest civilizational histories and envisioned Gujarat emerging as a central hub of sports and Olympic education in India. Addressing contemporary challenges, he described sport as standing at a strategic crossroads, shaped by artificial intelligence, e-sports, sustainability, climate change, gender equality, and human rights. He underlined that participation in sport itself is a human right and called for stronger safeguards to protect athletes from abuse. Stressing that Olympic Education matters now more than ever, he outlined the role of the International Olympic Academy and National Olympic Academies in leading dialogue on AI, values-based education, and public engagement. He concluded by reaffirming the IOA’s vision to disseminate knowledge, design innovative educational programmes, reach wider communities, and work with global stakeholders to ensure that sport remains a force for values, humanity, and sustainable future.

About BCORE:

The Bharat Centre of Olympic Research & Education (BCORE) is a flagship initiative under Rashtriya Raksha University dedicated to advancing scholarly inquiry into all aspects of Olympism. Through conferences like this, BCORE seeks to bridge academic research with real-world practice, contributing meaningfully to both national and international sporting communities.

 

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