3rd Regional Alumni Meet – Chandigarh

3rd ALUMNI MEET OF INDIAN OLYMPIANS HELD AT CHANDIGARH ON 31st MARCH 2019

The Olympians Association of India (OAI) hosted its 3rd Regional Alumni Meet in the northern city of Chandigarh on Sunday, 31st March 2019. With an attendance of 39 Indian Olympians who had represented India at the Olympics between 1960 to 2016 (i.e. a 52-year period) this was OAI’s biggest Alumni Meet so far. The Alumni Meet saw Olympians reconnecting with old friends, making new ones and discussing how Olympians can come together to help create a community and contribute to society.

Olympian Adille Sumariwalla (Athletics – 1980), Treasurer – OAI welcomed all the Olympians to the event. 6-time Olympian Raja Randhir Singh (Shooting – 1964 to 1984), IOC Life Member, OCA Life Vice President & OAI Chief Patron addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance building this community and working togther.  He  touched upon key issues like welfare of Olympians and ways for Olympians to contribute back to sport and spread the spirit of Olympism.

Olympian Aparna Popat (Badminton – 2000 & 2004) and Executive Director, OAI – shared information regarding current OAI initiatives and helped Olympians understand the benefits offered to them through initiatives such as the OLY post-nominal title etc. of our parent body WOA and other programmes of IOC. A discussion followed where the Olympians expressed their views on the current OAI initiatives and provided suggestions for future OAI programmes.

India’s 1st female Olympic medallist Karnam Malleswari (Weightlifting – 2000 – Bronze Medal) spoke about the need to develop different forums that help Olympians reconnect with sports such as mentorship programmes etc. She also strongly emphasised the need for young athletes to continue pursuing education along with their training. Many members of the Indian Hockey medal winning teams were present and pointed out the need to support senior Olympians through welfare measures.

Olympian Dr. T. S. Sandhu (Basketball – 1980) who currently works with the National Institute of Sports, Patiala laid emphasis on communicating to athletes the available career opportunities post competitive sport and preparing them for the same. He also recounted anecdotes that everyone related to and appreciated.

Olympians from the current Indian Athletics Team including Dutee Chand, M.R Poovamma, Mohammad Anas and others attended the event. The presence of the oldest attendee, 83-year old Olympian Kulwant Arora (Hockey – 1960) was greatly appreciated.