The International Olympic Academy participated in the 2nd International Olympic Research Conference, organised by the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research & Education (BCORE), from 27 to 30 January 2026, at Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

The Conference took place at a pivotal moment for India and the region of Gujarat, as Ahmedabad has been formally confirmed as the host city of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and aspires to play a key role as India has advanced its ambition for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Across its four-day programme, the Conference centred on a comprehensive set of themes that reflect the evolving priorities of the Olympic Movement: Education (Schools, Universities, and Academies), Governance (Policy & Anti-Doping), Research (Academia and Coaches), and Case Studies (Mega Event Organizing Strategies). IOA was the “guest of honour” in the presence of a number of distinguished Indian policy makers, international sport experts and academic lecturers, amongst them Professor Dr. Yannis Pitsiladis, a prominent scientist in sports, elite athletes’ performance and doping control policies.

The academic rigour of the Conference, convened with leading global experts in their respective fields, provided valuable insight into the functioning and potential of Olympic education and research infrastructure in India. The quality of scholarly engagement demonstrated that such academic initiatives should evolve into a sustained national movement. BCORE’s research-backed vision and work have been recognised by the participating scholars and experts and shown its capacity to become a key player in supporting the development of Olympic education in India, led by the recently re-activated National Olympic Academy under the endorsement and support of the Indian Olympic Association (Indian NOC) and the Indian Ministry of Sports.

The IOA was represented by the IOA Director, Dr Makis Asimakopoulos, and the Head of NOAs & NOCs Relations, Ms Alexandra Karaiskou, underlining the IOA’s strategic commitment to strengthening international cooperation in Olympic Education and academic exchanges for the role, opportunities and challenges of the Olympic Movement.  IOA executives’ presence in the Conference was stimulated by the recent reactivation of the Indian National Olympic Academy which was also sparkled by the research and studies of BCORE which connects India to the global Olympic education.

Dr. Asimakopoulos also highlighted the importance of India’s preparation pathway for the Games, stressing that Olympic education, long-term planning and coordinated efforts will be essential to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sporting environment. He noted that sport is entering a decisive new era shaped by technological integration, digital innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, while emphasizing that, despite the growing influence of artificial intelligence, e-sports, and new forms of engagement, the core human values of Olympism must remain central.

In her remarks, Ms Karaiskou underscored the importance of strengthening and empowering National Olympic Academies as platforms for dialogue and action, and emphasized the need for active, collaborative networks among NOAs to enable the exchange of expertise and best practices. Regarding the recent initiative of the Indian Olympic Association to reactivate the National Olympic Academy of India, she described it as a timely step that can further support Olympic education and cooperation, enhancing at the same time the image of India within the global Olympic ecosystem.

During the days of the Conference, the International Olympic Academy’s delegation had the chance to meet with key Indian Olympic Association executives, its Senior Vice President, Shri. Ajay Patel and its head of the Indian NOA, Mr. Gagan Narang to discuss Olympic Education related matters. Finally, the delegation met with the Vice Chancellor of the Rastriya Raksha University, Dr Bimal N. Patel, and visited a prominent high performance center within the Vijayi Bharat Foundation in Ahmedabad.

The International Olympic Academy extends its special thanks to Prof. Utsav Chaware, Director of BCORE, and to his entire team for the excellent organisation, professionalism, and outstanding hospitality that contributed decisively to the Conference’s high quality and impact.

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