Archive · 10 Jan 2026
First Athletes’ Forum Discusses Career, Safety Issues
The first National Athletes’ Forum was held in Ahmedabad by the Indian Olympic Association.
Many athletes and important people from sports were there.
They talked about important things like what athletes can do after they retire, how to keep athletes safe, especially women, and how to use social media.
They also discussed how to make sure sports are fair and honest.
The forum had three main talks: one about finding new jobs after sports, one about keeping sports safe and fair, and one about how to use social media wisely.
The goal was to make sure athletes' voices are heard and to make sports better in India.
The first National Athletes’ Forum was organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in Ahmedabad on January 10, 2024.
Nearly 50 athlete representatives from around 25 National Sports Federations, along with IOA Athletes Commission members, discussed athlete-centric issues.
Key topics included career options after retirement, ensuring a safe environment for athletes, safeguarding sports integrity, and responsible social media usage.
Three sessions were held: 'Navigating Career Transition', 'Safeguarding Sports Integrity', and 'Media and Social Media Masterclass'.
The forum aimed to strengthen athlete-led governance and accountability in Indian sports, with the goal of converting athlete feedback into actionable reforms.
- Who
- Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and nearly 50 athlete representatives from around 25 National Sports Federations
- What
- First National Athletes’ Forum discussing athlete-centric issues
- When
- January 10, 2024
- Where
- Ahmedabad
- Why
- To strengthen athlete-led governance and accountability in Indian sports, and to discuss welfare and career-related issues for athletes
- Organizer
- Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
- Date
- January 10, 2024
- Location
- Ahmedabad
- Participants
- Nearly 50 athlete representatives, IOA Athletes Commission members, IOA CEO, and executive committee members
- Key Topics
- Career options after retirement, safe environment for athletes, safeguarding sports integrity, media and social media usage
- Notable Attendees
- Gagan Narang, Achanta Sharath Kamal, MC Mary Kom, Ajinkya Rahane, Sania Mirza
- Forum Aim
- Strengthen athlete-led governance and accountability in Indian sports