IOC Restores Olympic Solidarity Funding To India After Reforms

Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 16:07 IST

IOC resumes Olympic Solidarity funding to India after IOA resolves internal disputes and ratifies Raghuram Iyer as CEO.

India to get Olympics funding again (Picture Credit: AFP)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to resume its funding to India under the Olympic Solidarity Programme a year after halting it, acknowledging the IOA’s corrective measures to resolve internal disputes and governance issues.

Last year, the IOC Executive Board halted the annual grant of Rs 15 crore intended for athlete development programmes due to prolonged infighting when 12 Executive Council members of the IOA refused to ratify the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as the body’s CEO, citing his high salary.

However, a truce was called on July 24 this year between IOA President PT Usha and the revolting EC members, who are in the majority, following an intervention by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

A Special General Body Meeting (SGM) was later held to formally approve India’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

James Macleod, IOC’s NOC Relations and Olympic Solidarity Director, noted the various steps and corrective measures taken to resolve the internal disputes and governance issues within the NOC. He stated that all outstanding issues and misunderstandings were discussed constructively and transparently within the NOC Executive Committee, leading to a collective agreement to move forward in unity and harmony.

Macleod highlighted the ratification of Iyer’s appointment as a positive step. He noted that the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as NOC CEO was formally ratified by the NOC Executive Committee on July 24, 2025, and the NOC General Assembly successfully held on August 13, 2025, where pending reports and audited financial statements were formally approved.

He further confirmed that the IOC and Olympic Solidarity are now in a position to progressively resume all payments to the NOC and normalise the working relationship.

The IOC also expressed hope that the IOA will uphold the highest standards of good governance and integrity in its daily operations, in line with the principles and rules governing the Olympic Movement.

The IOA expressed happiness at the positive turn of events, stating that the reinstatement of Olympic Solidarity programmes will benefit India’s athletes by providing direct funding and development opportunities for training, preparation, and participation in the Olympic Games and other major international competitions.

The IOA mentioned that the IOC commended the positive measures taken by it and the Government of India to strengthen the sporting ecosystem and support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to elite.

Macleod also acknowledged the National Sports Governance Act, which will establish a National Sports Board to oversee funding and affiliation of national federations. He expressed trust that the new Act will contribute to implementing good governance principles within Indian sports organisations and ensure observance of the Olympic Charter and International Sports Federations’ statutes, including responsible autonomy of the Olympic Movement.

He added that the IOC will continue to support the drafting of specific rules and regulations derived from this new Act and will maintain constructive dialogue with the NOC and relevant authorities to ensure mutual understanding, productive collaboration, and compliance with the Olympic Charter.

(With agency inputs)

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September 03, 2025, 16:07 IST

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