New Delhi, 10 December (H.S.): In a landmark step to deepen bilateral collaboration in sports, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on Wednesday. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in athlete development, coaching, and sports science between the two nations.
The MoU will facilitate access for athletes, coaches, and sports science experts from both countries to each other’s advanced sporting infrastructure and high-performance training centres. Officials described the accord as a major stride toward expanding cross-cultural engagement in Olympic sports.
The signing ceremony was attended by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, and India’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. The event underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and Italy through the shared platform of sports.Calling it “a moment of pride for the Indian Olympic movement,” IOA President Dr. P.T. Usha said the collaboration would open new avenues for Indian athletes to train within elite international systems.
“This partnership with CONI will help elevate India’s sporting performance on the global stage,” she remarked.Luciano Buonfiglio, President of CONI, noted that both nations share a deep passion for sports.
“This agreement builds a bridge of excellence between India and Italy and will yield long-term benefits for our athletes,” he said.In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Tajani highlighted that the partnership reflects the strengthening ties between the two nations, adding that “sport has an extraordinary power to unite people and cultures.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed that the MoU will play a crucial role in preparing Indian athletes for upcoming Olympic cycles.Under the agreement, both sides will collaborate on joint training camps, coaching exchange programs, sports science initiatives, and structured talent development projects — marking the beginning of a new era of Indo-Italian Olympic cooperation.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
