IOC Session in India: Ahead of landmark meet, a look at India's glorious history in Olympics

India are set to host the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) session, with the event returning to the country after a prolonged wait of 40 years. The IOC session will be held in Mumbai from 15 October to 17 October. It is only the second time in history that India are playing host for the prestigious event. The IOC session was conducted in New Delhi last time in 1983 when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi graced the opening ceremony. IOC Session: Everything you need to know about the meeting in Mumbai It is an annual meeting where the members of the IOC hold discussions about the host cities for the upcoming events, the change of the Olympic roster and the development of the federation. The first IOC session was conducted in 1894. Nita M. Ambani, the first woman to be elected as an IOC Member from India, has played a major role in bringing the IOC session to India Ahead of this historic occasion, let’s take a look at India’s run in the Olympics since 1990: 1. India sent a single representative to the 1900 Paris Olympics. Norman Pritchard, who competed in the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles, managed to secure silver medals in both events. 2. The first Indian multi-sport contingent featured in the global showpiece in 1920. A total of five athletes from India competed at the Antwerp Olympics. 3. Four years later, India made their debut in Olympic tennis. Five players - 4 male and 1 female - participated in the singles events. Two Indian pairs competed in the men’s doubles, while one featured in the mixed category. 4. In 1928, the Indian men’s hockey team entered the Olympics. In their maiden appearance, the Men in Blue, led by legend Dhyan Chand, showcased their dominance throughout the campaign. They netted a total of 29 goals and conceded none in reply to secure the country’s very first gold in Hockey. The Indian men replicated the feat in the following two Olympics (1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin) to etch their name in the history books.

IOC President Thomas Bach and the IOC Member in India, Nita Ambani, were welcomed tonight by Eknath Shinde @mieknathshinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra State, ahead of the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India. pic.twitter.com/23JoKsXBV2

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) October 10, 2023

5. After the 1942 and 1944 Olympics were cancelled due to World War II, India featured in the 1948 edition as an independent country for the first time. A total of 86 Indian athletes competed across nine sporting disciplines. The Indian football team also made their Olympic debut in London. The hockey team continued their triumphant run to secure their fourth gold under the leadership of Kishan Lal. The Indian men’s hockey team has so far won 12 Olympic medals comprising eight gold, one silver and three bronze. 6. India’s first individual Olympic medal came in 1952 when wrestler KD Jadhav bagged a bronze medal in Helsinki. In the same edition, Nilima Ghose featured in the Olympics as the first female athlete from India. Ghose competed in two track-and-field events but returned empty-handed. 7. Among India’s 35 Olympic gold medals, only two are won in the individual events. Abhinav Bindra was the first Indian to secure an individual gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bindra triumphed at the men’s 10m air rifle shooting. 8. Ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra took home the second individual gold in 2020 with an attempt of attempt of 87.58m.