Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), India's foremost National Security and Police University, celebrated Olympic Day on June 23, 2024, with the successful inauguration of the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE).
This landmark event highlighted RRU's dedication to advancing the Olympic Movement in India and promoting Olympism. Held at the RRU Campus in Lavad - Dehgam, Gandhinagar, the inauguration attracted a diverse array of attendees, including esteemed dignitaries from IOA, Olympians, Paralympians, and various International and National Athletes nominated by State Police and Security Organizations along with members from various academic & sports federations.
BCORE was inaugurated by Dr. PT Usha, President Indian Olympic Association, Shri Ajay Patel, Senior Vice President Indian Olympic Association, Professor (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor RRU, Professor (Dr.) Kalpesh Wandra, Pro Vice-Chancellor of RRU, Bhavina Patel, Paralympic Silver Medalist, Capt Ajay Narang, Member IOA. Additionally, Adille Sumariwalla, President of the Athletics Federation of India and Dr. Gagan Narang, Vice President IOA and including Olympians graced the inaugural ceremony with their video message.
This landmark event highlighted RRU's dedication to advancing Olympic Research and Education in India. The inauguration ceremony unfolded with precision, starting at 10:00 am at the Grand Porch, RRU followed by floral tribute and welcoming of the dignitaries . Highlights of the inauguration included inauguration of 1st Olympic Research Centre, featuring traditional ceremonies and a detailed presentation of the state-of-the-art facilities, Olympic historical archives, BCORE library resources, and road map of BCORE’s upcoming research national & international collaborations, followed by the demonstration of Human Performance Lab equipment. Interestingly Dr. PT Usha had hands on some of the testing instruments and even posed some athletic moves recollecting old glories.
Following the center visit, attendees gathered at the ceremony arena for a formal welcome and special presentations, including videos showcasing the significant contributions of RRU and BCORE in Olympic education and research. The Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of RRU delivered an inspiring address, highlighting the journey from the debut of the 400m hurdle 40 years ago to the establishment of a dedicated center at RRU for igniting the Olympic journey of India through the center. He emphasized that RRU sees sports not just as competition but as a catalyst for social change and development, announcing RRU's commitment to posting talent globally and hosting major events.
Keynote speeches from distinguished guests followed. Shri Ajay Patel highlighted RRU's vision to create an environment where talent is nurtured, with the initiative providing early benefits to athletes and inspiring future generations. Dr. P.T. Usha expressed that BCORE will serve as a repository of knowledge and data, ensuring that the hurdles she faced will not be encountered by current and future athletes, thus paving the way for a brighter future in sports. The event also facilitated interactions between athletes, students, and attendees, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights where Dr. Usha suggested that BCORE should target Olympic research, as it is an area where the country needs to accelerate.
The inauguration of BCORE marks a historic milestone in RRU's unwavering commitment to Learn, Educate Aspire and Disseminate (LEAD) Olympism through multidisciplinary research, education, and training. This initiative is designed to promote excellence in the Olympics throughout India. It is a proud moment for the nation, as BCORE stands as the first of its kind in India and South Asia, and the 71st Centre in the world. This pioneering research-based center is set to play an instrumental role in the future, especially as India gears up to host the Olympics in 2036.
BCORE's establishment is not just a significant leap for India but a beacon of inspiration for the entire region. By fostering an ecosystem that encourages the highest levels of athletic performance, the Center aims to support and enhance the capabilities of researchers, academicians, coaches, and Olympic enthusiasts across the country. Its impact is expected to resonate on both national and international platforms, driving a culture of sporting excellence and innovation.
In anticipation of the 2036 Olympics, BCORE will be crucial in ensuring maximum participation from India and its neighboring countries. By providing cutting-edge research and training, the Centre will equip athletes with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete at the highest levels. This effort will not only spotlight India's growing prominence in the global sports arena but also strengthen regional cooperation and participation in the Olympics.
As a pivotal hub for Olympic research and education, BCORE will drive new standards of excellence, inspire future generations, and contribute significantly to the global Olympic movement.
In essence, BCORE symbolizes a new era of Olympism in India and South Asia. It will aspire the generations to look at Olympics with a multi perspective lens catering to the evolving needs of Olympics.
Dr. Utsav Chaware, Director, BCORE on behalf of RRU and BCORE extended a heartfelt thanks to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s quest to Olympics, International Olympic Committee, Olympic Studies Centres Groups, and Smt. Neeta Ambani for their Olympic initiatives in India encouraging the Indian Olympic journey. He also expressed gratitude towards dignitaries present at the event for their generous time and putting forward kind messages to encourage the initiatives taken by RRU’s in the form of BCORE to flourish Indian Olympic Movement.