The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) successfully convened the 2nd IOA Athletes' Forum 2026 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, drawing over 75 active and retired athletes from more than 30 National Sports Federations (NSFs). This landmark event marked the launch of the Clean Sport Campaign, a nationwide anti-doping initiative implemented in partnership with the Neeraj Chopra Foundation (NCF), according to an official press release.
Forum Highlights and Expert-Led Sessions
The Athletes' Forum served as a dynamic platform for athlete learning, engagement, and development, featuring a series of expert-led sessions designed to support athletes beyond competition. Participants engaged in a masterclass on Self-Discovery and Personal Branding delivered by Ellen Barwise and Melody Cooper of Commonwealth Sport. Breakout sessions included Exploration of Structured Career Pathways led by Melody Cooper, Profile Building facilitated by LinkedIn, and Networking Skills conducted by the Simply Sport Foundation. These sessions provided athletes with practical insights, tools, and professional guidance to navigate their sporting journeys and prepare for opportunities beyond their competitive careers.
Interactive Booths and Resources
The Forum also featured interactive booths offering direct access to resources and support services. The IOC Athlete365 Booth provided information on athlete wellbeing and career development, while the Clean Sport Campaign Booth, jointly hosted by the IOA and the Neeraj Chopra Foundation, offered educational resources and anti-doping awareness materials. Athletes could engage with campaign representatives to make informed decisions about supplements and performance pressure.
Leadership Perspectives on Athlete Development
PT Usha, OLY, President of the Indian Olympic Association, emphasized the organization's commitment to a stronger, athlete-centred ecosystem. She stated, "The Athletes' Forum reflects our commitment to building a stronger and more athlete-centred sporting ecosystem in India. Athletes must remain at the heart of every decision we make, and platforms such as these provide an important opportunity for them to learn, connect, share experiences and contribute to the future of Indian sport. Our collaboration with the Neeraj Chopra Foundation is a natural extension of this vision. Neeraj's journey, credibility and connection with young athletes make him a powerful role model, and together we aim to create greater awareness, inspire responsible choices and support the holistic development of athletes across the country."
Neeraj Chopra, Olympic gold medalist, shared his personal perspective: "Every athlete dreams of representing India on the biggest stage. I have been fortunate to live that dream, and during my journey, I have learned that success is never achieved overnight. It comes from years of discipline, sacrifice and doing the right things consistently. Clean sport is not only about rules, it is also about creating a comfortable, safe space for athletes where they can clear their doubts about supplements and performance pressure, which can serve as a sensitive anti-doping exercise. I would like to thank the Indian Olympic Association for their support and hope that through this initiative, we can help athletes make better-informed decisions and avoid mistakes that could impact their future."
Career Transitioning and Clean Sport Commitment
Achanta Sharath Kamal, former India table tennis player and Vice Chairperson of the International Olympiad Academy, highlighted the forum's focus on career transitioning. He told ANI, "The Indian Olympic Association is hosting its second Athletes' Forum, focusing on career transitioning for athletes beyond their active playing days. The forum explores various career paths, including coaching, administration, entrepreneurship, sports tech, and sports science... We are being supported by Commonwealth Sports, and the event features workshops led by Ellen Barwe and Melody Cooper... Additionally, a significant signing of an MoU took place with the Neeraj Chopra Foundation for clean sports, which aims to enhance anti-doping and integrity awareness."
Raghuram Iyer, CEO of the Indian Olympic Association, added, "The Indian Olympic Association is committed towards building an ecosystem where athletes can thrive while upholding the highest standards of integrity and fair play. Education is one of the most effective ways to protect athletes and strengthen the values that define sport. Together with the Neeraj Chopra Foundation, we aim to make clean sport awareness more engaging, accessible and athlete-centric, ensuring that athletes across the country are equipped with the knowledge they need to compete responsibly."
Clean Sport Campaign Objectives
The Clean Sport Campaign aims to promote awareness, education, and informed decision-making among athletes through athlete-led engagement, digital learning resources, workshops, and outreach programmes across key sporting centres in India. The initiative seeks to strengthen understanding of anti-doping regulations, reduce the risk of inadvertent doping violations, and encourage a culture of integrity and fair play at all levels of sport. The campaign will leverage athlete-led storytelling, digital education tools, workshops, and on-ground engagement programmes to make clean sport education more accessible, relatable, and impactful for athletes across disciplines and age groups.
IOA's Continued Commitment
The 2nd IOA Athletes' Forum and the launch of the Clean Sport Campaign underscore the Indian Olympic Association's continued commitment to creating an environment where athletes can thrive, compete with integrity, and contribute to the future growth of Indian sport. Through the continued efforts of the IOA Athletes' Commission, the Forum serves as an important platform for athlete engagement, representation, welfare, and holistic development. Together with its partners, the IOA remains focused on ensuring that athletes are equipped with the knowledge, support, and opportunities required to succeed both during and beyond their sporting careers.
