Use Olympics to build Gujarat of 2050: IOA

International Olympic Academy Director Makis Asimakopoulos on Tuesday stressed the need for sustainable use of infrastructure created for the Olympic Games, saying the mega sporting event should be utilised as a vehicle for long-term development and not merely treated as a destination.

Addressing experts, students and academicians at the 2nd International Olympic Research Conference at Gandhinagar-based Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), he also said the countries aspiring to host the Olympic Games need to prioritise on creating national federations, not only to organise the games but also to develop coaches and athletes, and ensure integration of Olympic values into the school education system. India is aspiring to host the Olympic Games in 2036 in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. Asimakopoulos said planning for the Olympics should focus on preparing Gujarat for the future.