Newdelhi:16/10/23:Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Anurag Thakur held meetings over two days last week on (October 13th and 14th, 2023) with several members of International Olympic Committee (IOC) who are holding key positions in various sports organizations across the globe, ahead of the 141st Session of the IOC in Mumbai. The IOC session is underway in Mumbai, as per schedule from October 15-17, 2023.
Prior to the start of the two-day IOC Meet, the Union YAS Minister on Saturday (October 14, 2023) said that it is a momentous occasion that the IOC session is being held in India. “I welcome all members of the committee and hope that the session will be successful and result in announcements for new additions to the Olympic Games,” the Union Minister said.
In a series of bilateral meetings held with members of various international-level sports federations and office-bearers of the IOC, the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur spoke about the exchange of knowledge in sports science and medicine, aiming to enhance the well-being and performance of Indian athletes. The collaboration involved exploring research ventures to drive innovation in training methods, equipment, and the implementation of digital coaching and training in sports and other related domains. The Union YAS Minister held bilateral meetings with the President of the International Association of Athletics Federations Lord Sebastian Coe and President of World Rowing Federation Jean-Christophe Rolland, in Mumbai on Friday.
The Union YAS Minister, on Saturday, met IOC President Thomas Bach, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio, IOC Executive Board Member and President of UWW Wrestling Nenad Lelovic, President of International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parson, Secretary-General of Association of National Olympic Committees Gunilla Lindberg, IOC Member and Chair of Future Games Commission, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, International Hockey Federation President Tayyab Ikram, President of International Cycling Federation David Lappertient, and President of World Anti-Doping Agency Wiltold Banka. The Rajya Sabha MP, former Olympian and Track and Field Athlete, and the President of the Indian Olympic Association P.T. Usha was also present in the bilateral meetings.