Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education, Rashtriya Raksha University sports research, Olympic governance and ethics, Sustainable Olympic ecosystem, Sports education India, Olympic research conference Gujarat, International Olympic Academy India collaboration, Olympic education conference Gandhinagar, India Olympic research and governance, Sports policy and Olympic studies India-NE photo
- BCORE inaugurates 2nd International Olympic Research Conference at Rashtriya Raksha University
- Global experts converge to shape a sustainable Olympic ecosystem through education, research and governance
- India positioned as Asia’s emerging hub for Olympic research and values-based sports education
- Industry–academia partnership announced; Olympic Research Grants introduced
- Conference to drive evidence-led policy, ethical governance and athlete-centric sport
NE SPORTS BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JAN 27
Declaring that “the Olympics are not merely about sport, but a philosophy of life rooted in values and education,” Professor Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the International Olympic Academy (IOA), on Tuesday delivered a compelling call for values-driven Olympic education while inaugurating the 2nd Edition of the International Olympic Research Conference, organised by the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research & Education (BCORE) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
The four-day international conference, scheduled from January 27 to 30, 2026, brings together leading experts from sports, Olympic studies, governance and academia, centred on the theme “Education, Research and Governance: The Sustainable Olympic Ecosystem.” The inaugural session was attended by RRU Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, BCORE Director Dr. Utsav Chaware, faculty members, scholars and international delegates.
Setting the intellectual tone of the conference, Prof. Asimakopoulos, the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, underscored that Olympism connects sport with life through ethics, ideals and education, stressing that knowledge must be transformed into meaningful education to shape responsible citizens. He highlighted that sport today stands at a strategic crossroads influenced by artificial intelligence, sustainability, climate change, gender equality and human rights, and asserted that participation in sport is itself a human right.
He expressed confidence in India’s global leadership potential, describing the country as one of the world’s largest nations with one of the richest civilisational legacies, and envisioned Gujarat emerging as a central hub for sports and Olympic education. Reaffirming the IOA’s mission, he stated that Olympic Education matters more than ever, calling for deeper global dialogue, innovative educational programmes, and safeguards to protect athletes from abuse.
Earlier, Yash Sharma, I/C Director and Assistant Professor at RRU, highlighted the growing importance of Olympic-oriented research and academic platforms. He also conveyed a message from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who described sports as a “laboratory of live experiments in life” and underlined the role of initiatives such as Khelo India, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in nurturing young sporting talent and Olympic aspirations.
Providing an overview of the conference, Dr. Utsav Chaware, Director, BCORE, emphasised that India’s rise as a global sporting force depends on investment in research, knowledge creation and scientific problem-solving. He noted that BCORE, now 1.6 years old, has already launched six key publications, including Dristi (Vision Olympics) and Bharat Beyond Compliance, and announced two forthcoming books on World Police Fire Games and Olympic Intersections.
Dr. Chaware clarified that the objective is not merely to offer ready-made solutions but to identify real-world challenges and address them through academic rigour. He also announced a formal industry–academia partnership, with Team GB Sports, a venture of Gobananas, joining as an academic-industrial partner to introduce Olympic Research Grants. He highlighted the upcoming 2029 World Police & Fire Games as a major academic and collaborative milestone.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of RRU, described sport as a living form of multilateralism, where cooperation and trust triumph over division. He stressed that the Olympic Movement is about peace, inclusion and sustainable development, citing India’s progress through initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India, TOPS and the National Sports Policy 2025.
Referring to India’s achievements at the Asian Games and Paralympics, he noted that sustained investment in sport delivers dividends in national unity and global confidence. Emphasising ethical sport, he highlighted the National Anti-Doping Act and education-driven initiatives of NADA as pillars of integrity. Positioning BCORE as Asia’s first dedicated Olympic research facility, he stated, “This is not merely an event, but an academic engagement,” and affirmed that the conference will serve as a global platform for ideas, institutions and nations to connect, strengthening sport as a force for peace and development.
