Olympic Intersections

This volume presents the proceedings of the First International Olympic Research Conference held in India, organized by the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE) at Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat, January 27–30, 2025. The conference brought together international and national scholars, researchers, Olympians, and practitioners to advance Olympic scholarship and address contemporary challenges faced by the Olympic movement. This inaugural edition represents a deliberate effort to stimulate scholarly work and research that extends beyond athletic performance, focusing instead on the broader ecosystem of stakeholders, infrastructure, governance, and strategic planning essential for preparing India to host future mega sporting events, particularly the proposed 2036 Olympic Games.

The book encompasses research across four thematic areas that define current Olympic discourse. The first theme examines Olympic host city selection, legacy planning, and urban transformation, with case studies on how cities leverage mega sporting events for sustainable development. The second theme explores economic strategies and technological innovation, presenting financial models, digital infrastructure requirements, and smart venue management approaches. The third theme addresses sustainability and environmental responsibility through green infrastructure designs, climate mitigation strategies, and practical applications of Olympic Agenda 2020+5. The fourth theme investigates governance, equity, and inclusion, offering frameworks for ethical administration, gender parity, and accessible sports programs.

This strategic initiative strengthens India’s position in the global Olympic movement through academic excellence and cross-cultural dialogue, making it distinctly valuable for both established researchers and early-career scholars interested in Olympic studies, particularly as India aspires to host mega sporting events and the Olympics in 2036.

Wolfgang Maennig is an Olympic gold medallist in rowing (Seoul 1988) and Chair of Economic Policy at the University of Hamburg, Germany. He specializes in sports economics, focusing on Olympic Games and megaevents. His unique background combines elite athletic achievement with distinguished academic expertise in urban economics and sports infrastructure development. Professor Maennig has published extensively on Olympic bid strategies, economic impacts of mega-events, and sustainable sports development, making him one of the world’s leading authorities on Olympic economics.

Bimal N. Patel is a distinguished international law expert, serving on the UN International Law Commission and India’s National Security Advisory Board. As Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University, he drives national security education and has expanded RRU’s mandate to include Olympic research and sports studies. With a Ph.D. from Leiden University, his expertise spans maritime law, international organizations, and state practice, evidenced by his extensive publications and advisory roles. Under his leadership, RRU established BCORE as India’s first IOC-recognized Olympic Studies Centre.

Gaurav Singh Kushwah serves as Associate Dean and Senior Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports at Rashtriya Raksha University. With a strong background in professional tennis, including state and national championships, he holds a Ph.D. in Physical Education and is a prolific researcher. His expertise spans exercise physiology, sports injury and rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and allied areas. Dr. Kushwah has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and plays a key role in establishing RRU’s sports research capabilities.

Utsav Chaware is the Founding Director of the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE) at Rashtriya Raksha University. Specialized in Health Sciences and Basketball, he has been a UGC Junior Research Fellow and holds a Ph.D. in Talent Identification using Machine Learning. He focuses on enhancing teaching methodologies and applying research in physical education. Since establishing BCORE in June 2024, Dr. Chaware has positioned it as a hub for Olympic research in South Asia. His publications cover Olympic Studies, Sports Sciences, and Strength and Conditioning, with a commitment to advancing the Olympic movement in India.