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New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha stressed the need for athlete-first governance, saying the future of Indian sports should keep the preparation, well-being and development of athletes at the center of all decision-making.

Speaking on the third day of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the SJFI National Convention at the India Habitat Centre, Usha said India’s sporting ecosystem has improved over the last decade with better infrastructure, scientific training and institutional support.

However, he stressed that the real strength of Indian sports lies at the grassroots level, in villages, towns and schools, where young talent continues to emerge. Usha said, “Athlete-first governance must guide the future of Indian sports. Their preparation, well-being and development must be our biggest priority.” He appealed to administrators and sporting bodies to focus on nurturing talent from the grassroots up. He also praised the role of sports journalism in inspiring young athletes and said that reporters are not just historians of results, but also storytellers who show the struggles and triumphs of athletes.

IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer said India is at an important juncture in its sporting journey, where increasing investment and participation is shaping the country’s goals. He focused on building a strong grassroots ecosystem through large-scale partnerships and community engagement, while also providing world-class resources to elite athletes.

Iyer further said that India aims to host major international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games, as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen infrastructure and lay the foundation for hosting Olympic Games in the future.