International Olympic Day 2025, Theme, History, Target Olympic Podium Scheme

International Olympic Day 2025 will be celebrated on June 23 with the Olympic spirit. International Olympic Day 2025 unites all through sport, history, and global health awareness.

PWOnlyIAS

June 14, 2025

International Olympic Day 2025, Theme, History, Target Olympic Podium Scheme

International Olympic Day 2025: Every year, International Olympic Day is observed on June 23 to commemorate the birth of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the modern Olympic Games. Since its inception, the day has been a global celebration of sport, health, education, and cultural harmony. International Olympic Day 2025 aims to reignite the spirit of Olympism by motivating individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate in physical activities and embrace Olympic values.

International Olympic Day 2025

International Olympic Day 2025 will be commemorated worldwide on June 23, promoting the spirit of Olympism through sport, culture, and education. This special day celebrates the foundation of the International Olympic Committee in 1894 and encourages people of all backgrounds to embrace physical activity and the values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

International Olympic Day Overview
Feature Details
Event Name International Olympic Day 2025
Date of Observance June 23, 2025
Established By International Olympic Committee (IOC)
First Celebrated June 23, 1948
Purpose To promote participation in sport and spread Olympic values
Three Pillars Move, Learn, Discover
Key Activities Olympic Day Run, cultural events, school programs, and athlete interactions
Global Initiative Let’s Move
2025 Theme Yet to be announced by the IOC
Significance Marks the founding of the IOC and promotes health, inclusion, and unity

Also Read: Important Days In June 2025

Historical Roots of International Olympic Day

The idea for International Olympic Day was first proposed in 1947 during the 41st Session of the IOC in Stockholm. Dr. Gruss, an IOC member from Czechoslovakia, envisioned a day dedicated to promoting Olympic ideals. This proposal was approved in 1948 during the 42nd IOC Session in St. Moritz.

On June 23, 1948, the first Olympic Day was celebrated in nine countries, including Greece, Portugal, and Canada. Sigfrid Edström, then President of the IOC, addressed the youth worldwide with a message encouraging active participation in sports and the Olympic Movement.

Since then, Olympic history has continued to grow richer, embracing cultural inclusion, unity, and excellence through sport.

Also Read: List Of International National Days 2025 Month-Wise List

Olympic Day Run

One of the most significant aspects of International Olympic Day is the Olympic Day Run, which began in 1987 with 45 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) participating. Today, more than 150 NOCs organise Olympic Day Runs across continents, uniting communities and encouraging mass participation in sports.

The run is not competitive; it is inclusive, encouraging people of all fitness levels and age groups to participate, promoting the simple message: “Get Active, Be Healthy.”

International Olympic Day

Source: olympics.com

International Olympic Day 2025 Theme

The International Olympic Day 2025 theme has yet to be officially announced by the IOC. However, it is expected to continue building on the pillars of “Move, Learn, Discover,” alongside the ongoing Let’s Move initiative.

  • Move: Encouraging physical activity in any form—walking, dancing, running.
  • Learn: Promoting the Olympic values through educational workshops and storytelling.
  • Discover: Offering opportunities to try new sports and understand different cultures through games.

On International Olympic Day 2025, events such as sports competitions, music festivals, cultural programs, and interactions with Olympians will be organised to raise awareness of the Olympic Games and foster inclusivity and diversity.

Olympic History

The Olympic history dates back to Ancient Greece (776 BC), where athletes competed in the nude as a tribute to the gods. The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 in Athens. Since then, the Olympics have become the world’s largest sporting event, symbolising unity and peace.

Some intriguing facts:

  • Gold medals are actually made of silver and coated with gold.
  • The Olympic torch relay, a symbolic tradition today, began only in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
  • The Olympic Charter (1978) officially recommended that all NOCs organise Olympic Day every year.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

Indian Olympic History

Indian Olympic history dates back to 1900, when Norman Pritchard became the first Indian to win medals at the Paris Olympics. 

International Olympic Day

Since then, India has grown as a sporting nation with historic performances in hockey, wrestling, boxing, badminton, and athletics. However, India gained global recognition in field hockey, winning eight gold medals between 1928 and 1980.

In recent years, India has diversified its Olympic achievements:

  • Abhinav Bindra (2008) became the first individual gold medallist.
  • P.V. Sindhu, Neeraj Chopra, Lovlina Borgohain, and Mirabai Chanu have become household names.
  • Neeraj Chopra’s gold in the Javelin Throw at Tokyo 2020 marked a historic moment for Indian athletics.

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in September 2014 to enhance India’s medal prospects in the Olympics and Paralympics. Revamped in 2018, the scheme provides:

  • Monthly stipends of ₹50,000 to selected athletes.
  • Funding for international training, equipment, and coaching camps.
  • Technical support from the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) under Sports Authority of India (SAI).

TOPS has been instrumental in

  • Supporting medal winners like P.V. Sindhu and Sakshi Malik at Rio 2016.
  • Backing 47 out of 70 Indian medalists at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
  • Encouraging inclusivity with focused programs for para-athletes.

The Mission Olympic Cell reviews and customises athlete preparation and ensures timely resource allocation for India’s Olympic contingent.

Why is International Olympic Day 2025 Celebrated?

International Olympic Day 2025 is not just about honouring the foundation of the IOC; it is a movement to:

  • Encourage universal participation in sport, irrespective of age or background.
  • Promote Olympic values like respect, excellence, and friendship.
  • Raise awareness of physical fitness and its mental and social benefits.

It is a day where schools, communities, and cities host activities that foster cultural exchange, education, and inspiration, often with the participation of Olympians and sports icons.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Conclusion

International Olympic Day 2025 serves as a reminder of the transformative power of sport. Whether you’re a young student, an aspiring athlete, or a casual sports lover, the day invites everyone to move, learn, and discover. From its historical origins in 1894 to today’s dynamic global celebrations, the Olympic spirit continues to thrive.

With initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, countries like India are aiming for greater Olympic glory. As we celebrate International Olympic Day, we also honour every athlete, coach, and enthusiast who embodies the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

 

International Olympic Day 2025 FAQs

The International Olympic Day 2025 theme is yet to be announced, but it will focus on movement, education, and community engagement.

International Olympic Day is celebrated to commemorate the IOC’s founding and promote global participation in sports and physical activities.

Olympic history reflects the evolution of global sports from ancient Greece to modern-day Games, highlighting unity and excellence in competition.

Indian Olympic history began in 1900 with Norman Pritchard and has grown to include achievements in hockey, badminton, boxing, and athletics.

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme supports elite Indian athletes with funding, training, and resources to boost medal prospects at the Olympics.

Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, athletes receive stipends, coaching, international exposure, and equipment to enhance Olympic performance.

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  

by month

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.