International Olympic Committee (IOC), History and Structure

Context: For the first time in the IOC’s 130-year history a woman has been elected to the post of IOC Chairman.

About International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement.
• It is responsible for organizing the Olympic Games and promoting Olympism worldwide.
• It was founded in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin. (HQ – Lausanne, Switzerland)

Structure of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

President

• The IOC President serves an eight-year term, renewable for four more years.
• The current President (2025) is Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe), the first woman and African to hold the post.

IOC Members

• IOC has 100+ members, including royalty, heads of state, athletes, and business leaders.
• Members serve as trustees of the Olympic Movement, not as representatives of their countries.
• India’s current IOC member: Nita Ambani (Reliance Foundation chairperson).

Executive Board

It oversees daily operations. It includes the President, four Vice Presidents, and ten other members.

Commissions & Committees

The IOC has various commissions that focus on issues like: Athlete welfare, Ethics & governance, Anti-doping policies etc.

Sharing is caring!