This volume presents the proceedings of the first International Olympic Research Conference held in India, organized by the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE) at Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat, from January 27-30, 2025. The conference brought together international and national scholars, researchers, Olympians, and practitioners to advance Olympic scholarship and address contemporary challenges facing the Olympic movement. This inaugural edition represents a deliberate effort to stimulate scholarly work and research that extends beyond athletic performance, focusing instead on the broader ecosystem of stakeholders, infrastructure, governance, and strategic planning essential for preparing India to host future mega sporting events, particularly the proposed 2036 Olympic Games.
The book encompasses research across four thematic areas that define current Olympic discourse. The first theme examines Olympic host city selection, legacy planning, and urban transformation, with case studies on how cities leverage mega sporting events for sustainable development. The second theme explores economic strategies and technological innovation, presenting financial models, digital infrastructure requirements, and smart venue management approaches. The third theme addresses sustainability and environmental responsibility through green infrastructure designs, climate mitigation strategies, and practical applications of Olympic Agenda 2020+5. The fourth theme investigates governance, equity, and inclusion, offering frameworks for ethical administration, gender parity, and accessible sports programs.
This strategic initiative strengthens India's position in the global Olympic movement through academic excellence and cross-cultural dialogue, making it distinctly valuable for both established researchers and early-career scholars interested in Olympic studies, particularly as India aspires to host mega sporting events and the Olympics in 2036.