IOA Optimistic about Olympic Solidarity Grant Resumption

New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI) - Following a reconciliation of internal conflicts, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is optimistic about retrieving the Olympic Solidarity grant. This grant was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year due to internal disputes within the national sports authority. On October 8 the previous year, the IOC's Executive Board ceased the disbursement of the grant designated for athlete development initiatives. This occurred after a contentious meeting on September 26, 2024, where 12 Executive Council members declined to approve Raghuram Iyer's appointment as the IOA's CEO. Now that the situation has been resolved, IOA President PT Usha is hopeful that the IOC will soon reinstate the grant. Recent proceedings, including a Special General Body Meeting (SGM) and Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday, proceeded without incident after a reconciliation on July 24 between Usha and the majority of rebelling EC members. PT Usha stated, "The IOC will be happy that we are working together. We have done a lot of things now, and we will meet again," during the SGM convened to approve India's 2030 Commonwealth Games bid. She expressed optimism that the withheld Olympic Solidarity grant would now be released. Usha mentioned, "That (Olympic Solidarity) is not a small amount, it is Rs 15 crore. We will get it." Olympic Solidarity provides support to all National Olympic Committees (NOCs), through a portion of the broadcast rights from the Olympic Games, designed for athlete development programs. Athletes gain access to scholarships and subsidies via Olympic Solidarity, aiding them in training and qualifying for the Olympic Games. The IOC initially withheld the grant to the IOA following allegations of the "unfortunate situation" within the IOA. If India secures the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG), the event will be technology-driven, incorporating AI The IOA General Body has unanimously backed India's bid for the 2030 CWG, with the nation positioned as a frontrunner to host the event. Raghuram Iyer stated that should India acquire the hosting rights, the event will be technologically advanced, integrating Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized the event's focus on sustainability and its legacy to the host city and country, highlighting the tech-driven nature of the 2030 CWG. 'India in dialogue with IOC despite "pause" in host selection process' New IOC President Kirsty Coventry has announced a "pause" in the Olympic host selection process, with a working group set up to determine the appropriate timing to identify a future host. Despite this, the IOA, which has already expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, remains in communication with the IOC. Iyer explained that open lines of communication allow the IOA to address any queries or considerations with the IOC. The IOC is reassessing its approach to awarding the Olympics, taking time to focus on sustainability, diversity, equal opportunity, and increased female participation. When asked about forming a 2036 Olympics Bid Committee, Iyer indicated that foundational steps are underway, with specifics to be announced soon.