IOC Requested India to Tackle the Structural Issues

Crisis in Governance at IOA: Conflict between IOA President P.T. Usha and the Executive Council of IOA.

Concerns: Sponsorship agreements, allegations of financial mismanagement, appointment of CEO (Raghuram Iyer).

This conflict, which has persisted for nearly two years, has eclipsed the nation's readiness for multi-disciplinary Games.

Doping Controversy: As per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) annual report for 2023, India recorded the highest rate of positive tests for prohibited substances among prominent sports nations.

A WADA study conducted last year showed that India had the second highest number of positive doping cases among minors, following Russia.

Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU): As of May 2025, India is ranked 2nd in track & field doping violations, following Kenya.

Sporting Achievement: The Paris Olympics concluded with India earning six medals — one silver and five bronze — ranking 71st in the medal standings.

It was positioned lower than countries with significantly smaller populations like Georgia, Kazakhstan and North Korea.

The United States, having fewer than 25% of India’s population, led the rankings with 126 medals, while China followed with 91.

Measures Implemented by Authorities

Khelo India: To encourage sports at the community level. It encompasses talent discovery, coaching, development of sports facilities, and the organization of competitions at both school and university levels.

National Sports Policy: To improve the standard of sports training, encourage participation, and raise the number of athletes competing on a global level.

Sports Authority of India (SAI): An essential organization dedicated to developing young talent and offering training resources.

National Sports Awards: These accolades are presented each year to acknowledge and honor outstanding achievement in sports.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund For Sportspersons (PDUNWFS): Established in 1982 to provide support to prominent athletes from the past.

National Sports Development Fund: The Fund supports athletes in achieving excellence by offering them chances to train with renowned international coaches.

It also offers financial support for infrastructure development and other activities that promote sports.

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): A program designed to recognize and assist athletes with the capability to secure medals at the Olympics.

It offers monetary support for training, coaching, and taking part in global competitions.

Mission Olympic Cell (MOC): An organization within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports tasked with overseeing and assisting athletes' training and readiness for the Olympics through the TOPS.

National Sports Federations (NSFs): The government acknowledges and finances NSFs, which are accountable for advancing and fostering their associated sports.

Actions that can be implemented

Funding: Boost financial support for sports facilities, particularly in rural and neglected communities.

Implement anti-doping programs in sports training.

Talent Identification: Establish sports initiatives in educational institutions to discover and cultivate abilities from an early stage.

Support for additional sports: Advocate for a broader range of sports beyond cricket, including athletics, swimming, and traditional sports.

Leagues and Tournaments: Create professional leagues and tournaments in niche sports to increase participation and audience engagement.

Corporate Sponsorships: Promote collaborations between private firms and sports entities to offer financial support.

Role Models: Showcase accomplished athletes to motivate young people to engage in sports.

In summary

India's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics is being regarded earnestly, but its reliability depends on prompt internal changes.

The success of the proposal relies on clear governance, fair sports, and improved athletic performance.