Ahmedabad: As Gujarat gears up to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and eyes the Olympics in 2036, experts have emphasised that these mega sporting events should be leveraged as catalysts for long-term development rather than mere competitions. This insight was shared by Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the Indian Olympics Academy (IOA), during the inaugural ceremony of the second International Olympic Research Conference at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) on Tuesday.
Think Beyond the Games
Addressing stakeholders, Asimakopoulos urged planners to adopt a visionary approach:
- “Think bigger than the 2036 Games. Think about 2050,” he said.
- He suggested creating a roadmap like ‘Gujarat 2050’, where the Olympics becomes a vehicle for sustainable development, not just a short-term sporting event.
The focus should be on long-term benefits, including infrastructure, urban development, and community engagement.
Sustainability at the Core
The IOA Director stressed that sustainability must guide Olympic planning:
- All infrastructure built for the Games should be designed for long-term use by local communities.
- Resources and facilities should serve the state’s development goals beyond the duration of the event.
This approach ensures that mega sporting events leave a lasting positive legacy, rather than becoming white elephants.
Building National Federations and Olympic Ecosystem
Asimakopoulos outlined key priorities for countries aspiring to host the Olympics:
- Establish and strengthen national federations to manage sports development, coaches, and athletes.
- Integrate Olympic values into the school education system to promote culture, ethics, and sportsmanship.
- Prepare administrators and local authorities to handle the massive organisational and logistical requirements of the Games.
He emphasised that hosting the Olympics is not just about sports but also about showcasing a nation’s culture, education, and adherence to Olympic values.
Conference Focus: Education, Research, and Governance
The four-day International Olympic Research Conference at RRU will focus on:
- Developing a sustainable Olympic ecosystem
- Enhancing research and education in sports governance
- Promoting knowledge-sharing among national and international stakeholders
Organisers said the event aims to equip India’s sporting ecosystem with the tools and strategies needed for successful mega sporting events in the future.
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