Mumbai: The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Mumbai today, October 15, 2023. The Session is being held in India for the second time in history, after New Delhi hosted the 86th IOC Session in 1983, he wrote on X about the same.
The IOC Session is the supreme decision-making body of the Olympic Movement and is attended by over 100 IOC members from around the world. The Session provides an opportunity for the IOC to discuss and make decisions on a wide range of issues related to the Olympic Games, including the host cities for future Games, the inclusion and exclusion of sports from the Olympic program, and changes to the Olympic Charter.
In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of the Olympic Games in promoting global peace and understanding. He also highlighted India’s growing commitment to sports and its ambition to host the Olympic Games in the future.
“The Olympic Games are a symbol of hope and unity for the world,” Prime Minister Modi said. “They bring together athletes from all nations to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. The Olympic Games teach us that we can achieve anything if we work hard and never give up.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of sports in India’s national development. “Sports play a vital role in building a healthy and strong nation,” he said. “They teach us discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Sports also help to promote social cohesion and build national pride.”
The IOC Session in Mumbai is a significant event for India and for the Olympic Movement. It is an opportunity for India to showcase its growing sporting culture and its ambition to become a global leader in sports. It is also an opportunity for the IOC to engage with the Indian government and other stakeholders to promote the Olympic values and to strengthen the Olympic Movement in India.
The IOC Session in Mumbai provides an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders related to sports to interact and share knowledge. These stakeholders include IOC members, national Olympic committees, international sports federations, athletes, coaches, sponsors, and government officials.
The Session features a number of events and activities that promote interaction and knowledge sharing. For example, there are plenary sessions where stakeholders can discuss and debate key issues facing the Olympic Movement. There are also working groups and workshops on specific topics, such as sports development, marketing, and broadcasting.