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Olympic rings symbolizing global unity in sport. International Olympic Day is celebrated every year on 23 June to commemorate the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Paris in 1894. Established by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the IOC revived the modern Olympic Games, and International Olympic Day first took place on 23 June 1948. Since then, it has become a global event to promote sports, health, and the values of the Olympic Movement. On this day, people of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate in physical activities and embrace the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect. From local fun runs and school sports days to community tournaments and cultural programs, International Olympic Day brings people together in the Olympic spirit.

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Why Is International Olympic Day Celebrated Explained

International Olympic Day highlights the Olympic motto and symbols. The famous Olympic rings (five interlocking rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red) represent the five inhabited continents united by sport. The rings were designed by Coubertin in 1913 and were first flown at the 1920 Antwerp Games. The Olympic flag with these rings, and the motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter” (“Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”), reinforce the movement’s goal of bringing people together through fair competition and unity.
International Olympic Day is celebrated to honor the Olympic Movement and to promote the benefits of sport worldwide. The main reasons include:

• Commemorating the IOC’s founding: 23 June marks the day the IOC was created in 1894. Celebrating Olympic Day pays tribute to the roots of the modern Games and the vision of the Olympic founders.
• Promoting health and fitness: The day encourages everyone to get active. By hosting fun runs, dance events, and sports clinics, communities raise awareness of the importance of physical fitness for both body and mind.
• Spreading Olympic values: Schools and organizations use Olympic Day to teach values like excellence, respect, friendship, and fair play. Workshops and seminars explain how sport can unite people across cultures and promote peace.
• Encouraging inclusion: Olympic Day events are open to everyone – children, seniors, beginners, and athletes with disabilities. This inclusivity reflects the Olympic ideal that sport should be accessible to all, regardless of background or ability.

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In essence, International Olympic Day is about coming together to move, learn, and discover. The IOC encourages everyone to Move (be active), Learn (understand sports values and history), and Discover (try new sports and make new friends). These “Move, Learn, Discover” pillars guide Olympic Day programs around the world, making it a celebration of health, culture, and education through sport.

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International Olympic Day 2025: Theme and Global Events

In 2025, International Olympic Day will again be observed on June 23rd. Each year the IOC or National Olympic Committees promote a theme to focus the celebrations. For example, the 2024 theme was “Let’s Move and Celebrate,” encouraging people to stay active together ahead of the Paris 2024 Games. The official International Olympic Day 2025 theme has not yet been announced by the IOC, but it is expected to build on these ideas of participation and unity. Past Olympic Day themes have emphasized inclusivity, unity, and sustainable development. Given global priorities, the 2025 theme will likely highlight how sport can promote health, social inclusion, and peace – aligning with broader initiatives like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Around the world, National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and sports clubs organize Olympic Day events each year. Common activities include:

• Olympic Day Runs: Non-competitive fun runs or walks open to everyone. These mass-participation runs (often 5K or 10K) started in the 1980s and now involve tens of thousands of people globally.
• Community sports festivals: Local parks and recreation centers hold mini-Olympics, introducing children and families to various sports and games.
• School programs: Many schools incorporate Olympic values into lessons. Students might learn about Olympic history, the charter, and the importance of fair play, sometimes meeting local athletes or participating in Olympic-themed games.
• Cultural events: Exhibitions, film screenings, or performances celebrate Olympic heritage. Museums and cultural institutions may display Olympic memorabilia, art, or photographs.
• Online campaigns: On social media, Olympic Day is promoted with hashtags like #OlympicDay and #MoveForPeace. People share photos and stories about their own sports journeys, helping the Olympic spirit reach a wider audience.

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Each country may adapt Olympic Day to its own sports culture. For instance, some nations add traditional games, youth competitions, or inclusive para-sport events. Regardless of format, the goal is universal: to encourage people to be active and to celebrate the values of the Olympic Games.

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History of Olympic Rings

A hand holding a chalk drawing of the Olympic rings, reflecting the spirit of universal sport. The Olympic rings themselves have an interesting history. Designed in 1913 and first used in 1920, the five interlocking rings represent the five inhabited continents of the world (Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania), while the colors (including the white background) were chosen to appear on every national flag. This emblem reminds athletes and spectators that the Games welcome competitors from across the globe.

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International Olympic History: From Ancient Greece to the Modern Games

The history of the Olympics spans over 2,800 years, beginning with the ancient games of Greece and evolving into today’s global festivals of sport. Key milestones in Olympic history can be presented in the timeline below:

Throughout this timeline, the Olympic Games have consistently promoted peace and cooperation. For example, at each Games, athletes from over 200 nations gather under one flag of 5 rings, in the Olympic Village. This spirit of unity is further symbolized by traditions like the Olympic Truce, which calls for ceasing conflicts during the Games.

Over time, the Olympics have also expanded in scope. The modern Olympic Movement now includes the Winter Games (first held in 1924), the Paralympic Games (for athletes with disabilities, established 1960), the Youth Olympic Games, and various regional competitions. However, all of these share the same roots in Olympic history: the idea that sport can transcend national and cultural differences.

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India’s Olympic History: Milestones and Medals

Norman Pritchard

India’s Olympic journey began at the 1900 Paris Games, where Indian-born athlete Norman Pritchard won two silver medals in athletics (100m and 200m sprints). More recently, India has broadened its Olympic achievements beyond hockey. Below is a timeline of key milestones in Indian Olympic history:

This timeline shows how Indian Olympic history has evolved: from early track medals and hockey dominance, to modern successes in shooting, badminton, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, and athletics. Today, India fields competitors in many sports and is increasingly winning medals.

Indian Olympic Medal tally 2024

Following is the list of Indian medal winners of 2024 Olympic:

Several factors have contributed to India’s growing Olympic presence. Improved training facilities, professional coaching, and government support have all played a role. One landmark initiative is the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), launched by the Government of India in 2014 to boost the nation’s medal prospects.

India’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was introduced in September 2014 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Its purpose is to identify and financially support India’s best athletes in preparation for the Olympics and other major international competitions. Under TOPS, selected athletes receive:

• Monthly stipends: Around ₹50,000 per month (for each core athlete) to cover living and training expenses.
• Training and coaching support: Funding for international training camps, world-class coaching, and access to high-performance facilities.
• Equipment and competition grants: Financial assistance to purchase modern equipment and to travel for qualifying events and tournaments.
• Support from Mission Olympic Cell: A dedicated team under the Sports Authority of India monitors athlete performance, provides technical and medical support, and ensures resources are well-managed.

Since its inception, TOPS has supported several medal-winning athletes. For example, shooters like Gagan Narang, Heena Sidhu, and rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra received TOPS support for Beijing 2008 and London 2012. More recently, boxers Lovlina Borgohain and Shiva Thapa, badminton stars P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, wrestler Sakshi Malik, and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra have all been beneficiaries of the scheme. These athletes’ successes at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics highlight how TOPS-funded preparation can yield results.

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International Olympic Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a worldwide celebration of sport, health, and international friendship. By observing this day every June 23, the Olympic Movement reminds us why International Olympic Day is celebrated: to honor the founding of the IOC and to inspire millions to participate in physical activity. The day’s events – Olympic runs, sports festivals, educational activities, and cultural programs – all work together to promote a healthier, more inclusive society.

International Olympic Day 2025: FAQs

Why is International Olympic Day celebrated?

International Olympic Day is celebrated to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. It also encourages global participation in sports and physical activities across age groups.

What is the theme of International Olympic Day 2025?

The International Olympic Day 2025 theme highlights inclusivity, sustainability, and youth engagement. It focuses on uniting communities through sports and Olympic values.

What is the Olympic history of India?

India first participated in the Olympics in 1900 and has since earned medals in hockey, wrestling, badminton, and athletics. The country has steadily improved its performance in recent editions.

What is the Target Olympic Podium Scheme?

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is a government initiative aimed at identifying and supporting India’s top athletes. It provides training, financial support, and infrastructure to boost Olympic success.

How does International Olympic Day impact global sports?

 International Olympic Day promotes awareness about the importance of sports in fostering peace and development. It brings people together through events, education, and sporting activities worldwide.