IOA plans to redefine scope of medal sports at National Games

PT Usha intends to submit a proposal to implement the plan to redefine the scope of medal sports at the National Games.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) celebrates the enduring spirit and historical significance of the National Games, an event deeply rooted in the Olympic movement and designed to foster national talent. Initiated in the 1920s, the National Games emerged as a critical platform to identify and nurture athletes for global competitions, including the Olympic Games. 

The genesis of the National Games can be traced back to the collaborative efforts of Dr. A. G. Noehren and Harry Crowe Buck, whose vision to channel the energy of India’s youth through a nationwide sporting event led to the inaugural Indian Olympic Games in 1924, hosted in Lahore, undivided Punjab.

After eight successful editions, the event was renamed the National Games in 1938, with Lucknow hosting its first post-independence edition. In 1985, the National Games adopted an Olympic-style format, with New Delhi serving as the host city. 

Over recent editions, the inclusion of indigenous regional sports as demonstration events has been a notable feature, aimed at engaging local audiences and promoting regional sports culture. However, during the previous edition, several regional sports were included in the medal events by the Sports Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC). The IOA recognizes the value of these sports but emphasizes the need to maintain a clear distinction between demonstration and medal events. 

Participants and medal winners of the National Games are entitled to significant benefits, including reservation in state and central government jobs, increments in basic pay, prize money, etc. Given these incentives, the IOA believes it is essential to align medal events with disciplines recognized at major international sporting events to uphold the integrity and competitive standards of the National Games. 

The President of the IOA, Dr. PT Usha, intends to table a proposal at the next General Assembly meeting to redefine the scope of medal sports at the National Games. The proposal recommends that only sports disciplines included in the upcoming Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games be considered for inclusion, provided the respective IOA-affiliated national Federations are in good standing with the IOA at least one year before the commencement of the Games. 

This proposal underscores the IOA’s commitment to aligning the National Games with international standards, ensuring that it continues to serve as a premier platform for preparing athletes to excel on the global stage with its historical significance and spirit. 

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