The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the governing body overseeing India’s Olympic programme, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian National Olympic Committee, known as CONI.
The agreement establishes a long-term framework to boost collaboration between the two nations across high-performance sport, sports administration, and Olympic development pathways.
The partnership covers athlete development, coaching exchanges, sports science, anti-doping education, governance practices, and event operations. Both organisations will work on joint training camps, bilateral competitions, and talent development projects in Olympic disciplines where India and Italy see strategic opportunity.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said, “Today marks a proud moment for the Indian Olympic movement. This partnership with CONI opens new horizons for our athletes to train, learn, and excel within one of the world’s most respected sporting systems. The exchange of knowledge, expertise, and infrastructure will play a pivotal role in elevating India’s global sporting performance. We look forward to a long and inspiring collaboration with our Italian counterparts.”
Echoing this sentiment, Luciano Buonfiglio, President of CONI, added, “Italy and India share a deep passion for sport, and this MoU represents an important step in strengthening that bond. By opening our high-performance facilities and expertise to each other, we are building a bridge of excellence that will benefit both nations’ athletes for years to come. CONI is delighted to join hands with IOA in this forward-looking initiative.”
Mr Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, added, “This collaboration reflects the growing partnership between our countries. Sport has a remarkable ability to bring people and cultures together, and today’s agreement reinforces our shared commitment to cooperation, innovation, and excellence.”
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, continued, “This partnership arrives at a crucial moment for India’s sporting ambitions. Access to world-class facilities and joint training programmes will significantly strengthen our athletes’ preparation for future Olympic cycles. The Government of India welcomes this initiative and is committed to supporting meaningful international collaborations that uplift Indian sport.”
The MoU arrives at a critical point for both nations. India is targeting its best-ever medal haul at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, while Italy is preparing to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. The agreement gives India access to Italy’s established high-performance structures, including expertise in winter sports, an area where India has historically lacked formal development pathways.
In practical terms, the collaboration will facilitate exchanges across coaching, athlete welfare, sports medicine, integrity frameworks, and sports law. For Italy, the deal strengthens its relationship with one of the fastest-growing sports markets in the world, creating avenues to engage with India’s expanding commercial landscape and event-hosting capacity.
The partnership also reflects a broader global trend. National Olympic Committees are increasingly forming bilateral agreements to share expertise and prepare athletes ahead of the Milan Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028, and Brisbane 2032 cycles.
India’s last Olympic campaign at Paris 2024 produced a record six medals, while Italy delivered one of its strongest-ever results with 40 medals. With both nations pursuing ambitious targets in the next decade, the MoU provides a structured platform for long-term cooperation, development, and high-performance growth.
