India last hosted an IOC session in 1983; how the sporting landscape and culture have changed since then

The 86th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was held in New Delhi in 1983, the last time India served as the host country. The 141st IOC session will take place in Mumbai from October 15 to 17 after a 40-year absence.

In the subsequent years, India has emerged as one of the top centers of athletic prowess and has won several world championships.

The Indian men’s cricket team won the Cricket World Cup in 1983, defeating the two-time reigning champions West Indies in a thrilling final. This achievement is highly notable. The leader of India, Kapil Dev, rose to prominence and earned the title of champion in every meaning of the term.

At the 2023 IOC Session in Mumbai, it was also allegedly decided to add men’s and women’s T20 matches to the Olympic program for the sport of cricket.

Since the previous IOC Session held in the nation, India has earned a total of 399 medals at the Asian Games and 22 medals at the Olympics, representing a considerable increase in the number of medals won.

India really put up its best-ever performances in the last two Olympics and Asian Games, which were held in Tokyo and Hangzhou, respectively.

India earned a record-breaking 107 medals in the 19th Asian Games, easily surpassing the 100-medal benchmark. Neeraj Chopra became the new track and field sensation not only in India but all across the world during the 32nd Olympic Games when India won their second individual gold medal ever. Abhinav Bindra, who revolutionized shooting in India, became the nation’s first individual gold medalist.

India has also seen a continuous increase in participation, with the most athletes competing for India at the most recent Olympics and Asian Games.

Aside from sports, India just surpassed China as the world’s most populated country. Given that over 50% of its population is under 25, India is poised for an athletic revolution.

India, with the fifth-largest economy, offers one of the most important marketplaces for international sports. The IOC Session in Mumbai, which falls on India’s 76th anniversary of independence, offers a chance to emphasize the significance of sport in India and recognize its contributions to the Olympic Movement.

A month after New Delhi hosted the illustrious 18th G20 Summit in September, the 141st IOC Session is likewise expected to strengthen India’s position as a leading centre of international diplomacy.