India’s biggest Olympic champion is now fighting a different kind of battle — and this one is for every athlete who ever feared making the wrong choice.
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What Happened at the 2nd IOA Athletes’ Forum 2026?
More than 75 active and retired athletes from over 30 National Sports Federations gathered at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi on June 19, 2026 for the 2nd IOA Athletes’ Forum — a full day of learning, dialogue and empowerment hosted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The headline moment? The official launch of the Clean Sport Campaign, a nationwide anti-doping awareness initiative run jointly with the Neeraj Chopra Foundation (NCF).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | 2nd IOA Athletes’ Forum 2026 |
| Venue | Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi |
| Date | June 19, 2026 |
| Athletes Present | 75+ from 30+ NSFs |
| Key Launch | Clean Sport Campaign |
| Campaign Partner | Neeraj Chopra Foundation |
| Focus Areas | Anti-doping, career development, branding |
Sessions That Went Beyond the Track
The Forum wasn’t just a talk-shop. Athletes attended a masterclass on Self-Discovery and Personal Branding by Commonwealth Sport experts Ellen Barwise and Melody Cooper, along with breakout sessions on career pathways, profile building facilitated by LinkedIn, and networking skills by Simply Sport Foundation.
Interactive booths included the IOC Athlete365 Booth on wellbeing and the Clean Sport Campaign Booth — where athletes could access anti-doping education resources face to face.
For more on Indian sports initiatives and athlete development, visit Technosports.
Neeraj Chopra’s Message That Every Young Athlete Must Hear
Chopra said it best — success comes from “years of discipline, sacrifice and doing the right things consistently.” He added that clean sport is about creating a safe space where athletes can clear their doubts about supplements and performance pressure without fear or judgment.
The Neeraj Chopra Foundation, founded in May 2023, works at the grassroots level to democratize sports through training facility upgrades, athlete funding, sports science support and intensive anti-doping education.
IOA President Dr. P.T. Usha echoed the sentiment, calling Neeraj “a powerful role model” whose credibility with young athletes makes him the perfect ambassador for this campaign.
Anti-doping in sport remains one of the most critical challenges in global athletics — and India is now stepping up with athlete-led solutions.
Follow all updates on Indian Olympic sports at Technosports.
FAQs
Q: What is the IOA Clean Sport Campaign launched with Neeraj Chopra Foundation?
It’s a nationwide anti-doping awareness initiative using athlete-led storytelling, digital tools and workshops to help Indian athletes make informed, responsible choices.
Q: What was the 2nd IOA Athletes’ Forum 2026 about?
It was a full-day event in New Delhi bringing together 75+ athletes for sessions on career development, personal branding, anti-doping education and athlete welfare.
