Jay Shah, Mandaviya highlight sport’s transformative power on Olympic Day

Sports administrators, government leaders and athletes across India marked International Olympic Day on Tuesday with celebrations, rallies and renewed commitments towards strengthening the country’s sporting ecosystem ahead of major global events.

Leading the tributes, International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah backed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) initiative to promote health, well-being and community engagement through sport, while highlighting cricket’s unique ability to unite people across the world.

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“With more than 2 billion fans around the world, cricket has the ability to unite, inspire and empower at an unparalleled scale,” Shah said in a message shared on social media, extending his wishes on Olympic Day.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya also celebrated the occasion by emphasising the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, while pointing to India’s growing sporting culture.

“India is witnessing an unprecedented sporting revolution, empowering our athletes and encouraging every citizen to embrace sports as a way of life,” Mandaviya said, crediting ongoing efforts to expand sports participation and athlete development across the country.

International Olympic Day is observed annually on June 23 to commemorate the founding of the International Olympic Committee and the revival of the modern Olympic Games. Celebrated since 1948, the day promotes physical activity, inclusivity and the core Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship and respect.

The occasion comes at a crucial time for Indian sport, with preparations intensifying for the Commonwealth Games 2026, Asian Games 2026 and the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

Last month, the National Sports Federation Conclave 2026 brought together representatives from 37 National Sports Federations and the Indian Olympic Association to discuss India’s roadmap for upcoming international competitions and long-term sporting ambitions. Addressing the conclave, Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao stressed the importance of collective planning, saying the discussions would help shape India’s sporting future ahead of its aspirations for 2036.

Celebrations were held across several states on Monday. In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off an Olympic Run involving around 200 athletes. The event concluded at the Indira Gandhi State Sports Complex and highlighted the state’s focus on grassroots sports development.

Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and athlete support, noting that a Centre of Excellence for sports is being developed in Nadaun, Hamirpur district. He also highlighted enhanced cash rewards for athletes winning medals at the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

In Agartala, Tripura Sports Minister Tinku Roy joined athletes, students, coaches and sports enthusiasts in an Olympic Day rally aimed at promoting fitness, discipline and sporting values. Participants marched through the city carrying banners advocating unity, excellence and healthy living through sport.

As India continues its push towards becoming a major global sporting nation, Olympic Day celebrations across the country served as a reminder of sport’s power to inspire communities, promote healthy lifestyles and unite people beyond boundaries.