International Olympic Committee (IOC)

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Latest News

Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Woman and African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

About the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• Established in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin to revive the ancient Greek Olympics.
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Mission: "Building a Better World through Sport."

Roles & Responsibilities

• Governs the Olympic Games (Summer, Winter, and Youth Olympics).
• Oversees National Olympic Committees (NOCs) worldwide.
• Ensures adherence to the Olympic Charter.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session

• Annual meeting of IOC members to make key decisions.
• 101 voting members + 45 honorary members.
• Decides on:
  • Amending the Olympic Charter.
  • Electing IOC President and Executive Board.
  • Selecting the host city for future Olympic Games.

Process of Selecting the Host Country for the Olympics

• Informal dialogue: IOC engages with interested countries to discuss potential bids.
• Targeted dialogue: IOC’s Executive Board invites a "preferred host" to refine its proposal.
• No fixed timeframe: The final selection can take years depending on political, economic, and environmental factors.
• Key selection criteria:
  • Funding strategy & financial sustainability.
  • Infrastructure readiness (transport, venues, accommodation).
  • Alignment with local development goals.
  • Public support and socio-economic factors.

Impact on India’s 2036 Olympic Bid

• India is competing with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and 10 other nations for the 2036 Olympics.
• Coventry had welcomed India’s bid but emphasized that strong governance and transparency in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are necessary.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) FAQs

Q1. What is the International Olympic Committee (IOC)?

Ans. The IOC is a non-governmental organization responsible for overseeing the Olympic Games and promoting the Olympic Movement worldwide. It was founded on 23 June 1894 and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Q2. How many countries are part of the IOC?

Ans. The IOC recognizes 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which include all UN member states and additional territories like Hong Kong and Puerto Rico.

Q3. What is the role of the Olympic Charter?

Ans. The Olympic Charter is the guiding document that defines the rules and principles of the Olympic Movement, including the responsibilities of the IOC, NOCs, and IFs.

Q4. What is the Refugee Olympic Team?

Ans. Introduced in 2016, the Refugee Olympic Team allows displaced athletes to compete under the Olympic flag, promoting inclusivity and solidarity.

Source: IE