The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach, is currently chairing the Executive Board meeting at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. This pivotal event is a platform for making crucial decisions related to host cities for upcoming Olympic events, the inclusion or exclusion of sports and federations, and potential changes to the Olympic Charter.
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The IOC Sessions, overseen by the IOC’s supreme body, are the ultimate authority in the world of Olympic sports. Decisions made during these sessions are considered final and have far-reaching implications for the future of international sports.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting underway in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/p0lzE3dxgh
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2023
IOC session in Mumbai has drawn –
- 600 members from various corners of the sporting world.
- 99 voting members and 43 honorary members.
Key Agenda for this IOC meeting –
- The recognition of entities from illegally annexed Ukrainian territories by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).
- This contentious issue has been a subject of intense international debate and scrutiny.
- The agenda is the sports program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
- The Executive Board will examine a report from the Olympic Programme Commission, which outlines a proposal to introduce cricket, baseball and softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash to the Games in five years’ time.
- If approved, this move would mark a symbolic return of cricket to the Olympics, a sport that last featured in the Games in Paris in 1900.
It’s worth noting that IOC Sessions have a rich history, with a total of 140 conducted since 1894. This marks the second time that the Executive Board meeting has been held in India, the first being in Delhi in 1983. India secured the hosting rights for this IOC session when a delegation led by Nita Ambani presented the country’s case at the 139th IOC session in Beijing in February 2022.
Meeting With Maharashtra CM
Prior to the meeting, IOC Chief Thomas Bach held discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. The presence of IOC member Nita Ambani during the meeting emphasized the importance of the event.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledged the state’s unwavering support to the Olympic Association, reinforcing the commitment to hosting a successful IOC session in Mumbai.
Last evening, we held a joint meeting with the International Olympic Committee President Mr. Thomas Bach, International Olympic Committee Senior Representative Smt Nita Ambani ji and team IOC. CM Eknath ji Shinde, Minister Sanjay Bansode senior GoM officials too were present. pic.twitter.com/CYKFPDNRZe
— VINAYAK MAHESHWARI MAHENDRA JOSHI (@vinayakmjoshi2) October 11, 2023
In a separate development, the IOC, in collaboration with the Olympic Museum, joined hands with the Reliance Foundation to enhance the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) in India. This new cooperation agreement highlights the shared priority of promoting Olympic values through sport among young people, underscoring the significance of character-building and the positive impact of sports on society.
As the IOC Executive Board meeting in Mumbai progresses, the sporting world eagerly awaits the outcomes and decisions that will shape the future of Olympic sports, from host cities to the inclusion of new sports in the program. With Mumbai as the backdrop, this IOC session promises to be a memorable chapter in the history of international sports.
