Indian Olympians unite in Bangalore

28 | 2 | 2019

The Olympians Association of India (OAI) hosted its 2^nd Regional Alumni meeting in Bangalore over the weekend where 33 Olympians from the region were honoured with OLY recognition.

The alumni event invited Olympians from the region to reunite, reminisce about their Olympic experience and learn more about the NOA and the opportunities to stay involved with the Olympic movement beyond retirement.

At the event, the NOA of India honoured 33 Olympians who have represented India at the Olympic Games with OLY to celebrate and recognise their contribution to the Olympic legacy in India and their ongoing promotion of the Olympic values. The Olympians were awarded with their official OLY post-nominal title and presented with certificates and OLY pins by WOA Executive Committee member and Indian Olympic sailor Malav Shroff OLY.

“India has a large geographical spread. As an NOA it’s important that we visit each region to meet with Olympians in person. This Regional Meeting was the second of four that will take place across India throughout the year, helping to ensure that Olympians from all corners of the 1.3 billion populated nation are represented and recognised. Our aim is to get 50% of Olympians in India involved in NOA programmes and initiatives. This is a big task but, together we can grow our impact and ability to bring communities together through sport,” said Malav Shroff OLY. 

At the event, the NOA of India provided an update on the programmes and initiatives being run by the local Olympians that attended the alumni meeting. This included an overview of the OAI Academic Education Program and  Mentorship Programme which connects Olympians with aspiring athletes, students and corporations while equally inspiring and promoting the Olympic values.

Dual Olympian Jude Felix OLY, who runs a sports academy for under privileged children and whose students have received funding from the OAI Education Programme, said:

“The OAI Programmes continue to have a great impact on the lives of children in India. It teaches them to dream bigger and affords them with greater education opportunities. India has close to 800 Olympians living and over 250 of those are involved in OAI programmes. I am incredibly proud to be part of a strong network of Olympians in India.”

The OAI will run its next Alumni meeting next month in Delhi.