Ahmedabad : Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, hosted a media interaction on Friday to announce a series of strategic initiatives aimed at advancing Olympism, sports research, and international collaboration in Gujarat and across India.
The interaction was held at Karnavati Club, Ahmedabad, and was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor, Rashtriya Raksha University, along with Mr. Yash Sharma, Director, School of Physical Education and Sports (SPES), and Dr. Utsav Chaware, Director, Bharat Centre of Olympic Research & Education (BCORE).
BCORE: India’s First IOC-Recognised Olympic Studies Centre
The Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE), established in June 2024 at Rashtriya Raksha University, is India and South Asia’s first Olympic Studies Centre recognised by the International Olympic Committee. The centre focuses on Olympic education, interdisciplinary research, sport governance, and global academic collaboration aligned with Olympic values.
Since its inception, BCORE has been actively implementing IOC educational initiatives, supporting research funding, conducting gap analysis in sports governance, and building international academic partnerships to strengthen India’s Olympic knowledge ecosystem.
India to Host World Police and Fire Games 2029 Disciplines
RRU announced that it will host eight sporting disciplines of the World Police and Fire Games 2029, marking India’s first participation as a host nation for the prestigious Olympic-style international event for police and fire service personnel.
The disciplines to be hosted include Wrist Wrestling, Bench Press, Bodybuilding, Cross Country (10 km), Push-Pull Lifting, Muster, Indoor Rowing, and Darts. The Games attract more than 9,000 athletes from across the world, competing in over 60 sports.
Based on insights from the 2025 USA edition—where Indian athletes won over 600 medals—RRU has prepared a comprehensive roadmap for hosting large-scale international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Youth Olympic Games.
To support the Games, the university has established a dedicated Secretariat and is training a volunteer force of 500 personnel. RRU’s School of Physical Education and Sports houses a Human Performance Laboratory that has tested over 4,000 individuals and conducted more than 50 research studies. The university is also developing a Sports Indoor Complex and an Anti-Doping Laboratory.
2nd International Olympic Research Conference in January 2026
BCORE also announced the 2nd International Olympic Research Conference (IORC 2026), scheduled to be held from January 27 to 30, 2026, at the RRU campus in Gandhinagar.
The conference will bring together Olympic Studies Centres, National Olympic Committees, sports administrators, researchers, academics, and policymakers from across the world. The theme for the upcoming edition is “Building a Sustainable Olympic Ecosystem through Education, Governance, and Research.”
Key focus areas include Olympic education, sports development in educational institutions, governance and ethics in sport, transparency and accountability, anti-doping strategies, and affordable sports science innovations.
A major highlight will be a two-day anti-doping workshop conducted in collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency, featuring global experts from the World Anti-Doping Agency. The workshop will provide practical training in testing procedures, forensic analysis, and regulatory frameworks, strengthening India’s capabilities in sports integrity and forensic sports science.
In a unique initiative, IORC 2026 will also introduce a “Call for Stories,” inviting athletes, coaches, and sports practitioners to share lived experiences and insights, alongside traditional academic research submissions.
BCORE Night Run 2026 to Promote Inclusivity and Community Engagement
BCORE announced the BCORE Night Run 2026, scheduled for January 10, 2026, in Gandhinagar. The mass participation event aims to promote night safety, inclusivity, and Olympic values by bringing together civilians, law enforcement personnel, and para-athletes.
The event will feature multiple distance categories and inclusive participation formats, reinforcing the role of sport in community engagement and social cohesion.
Strengthening India’s Sporting Vision
Speaking at the media interaction, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel stated that RRU’s initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to building research-driven sports infrastructure, international partnerships, and inclusive sporting platforms aligned with national priorities.As India prepares for major global sporting ambitions, including the World Police and Fire Games 2029 and future Olympic aspirations, Rashtriya Raksha University and BCORE are positioning Gujarat as a key centre for sports research, governance, and international sporting collaboration.