Athletes department

The Indian Olympic Association: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Athletes Commission took a major step toward athlete empowerment and welfare on Thursday, conducting a crucial meeting that signalled the beginning of sweeping reforms focused on athlete voices, rights, and post-career development.

The meeting, held at the Olympic Bhawan in New Delhi, saw prominent athletes including Sharath Kamal, OP Kharana, Bhavani Devi, and Shiva Keshavan participate in person, while PV Sindhu, Rani Rampal, and Bajrang Lal joined virtually. Olympic champions Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang also provided inputs.

In a statement, the IOA said the meeting marked “a significant milestone in the journey towards prioritising athlete welfare and perspectives.”