144th IOC Session: A Historic Moment for the Olympic Movement
The 144th IOC Session inaugurated in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, provided a historic moment for the Olympic Movement.
Thomas Bach Elected IOC Honorary Life President
At the Session, Thomas Bach was unanimously elected Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He will assume this position upon the completion of his term as IOC President on 23 June 2025. The proposal was met with resounding support from the IOC Members, who gave a standing ovation after it was presented by IOC First Vice-President Nicole Hoevertsz on behalf of the IOC Executive Board.
Presenting the proposal, Mrs. Hoevertsz stated: “Under President Bach’s visionary leadership, Olympic Agenda was successfully implemented over the years, which certainly has not been a small feat. By doing so, we could say that, in essence, President Thomas Bach played a crucial role in modernising the Olympic Movement and ensuring its relevance in the 21st century.”
She highlighted his 34 years of service to the Olympic Movement, including key reforms like Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, and underscored his commitment to gender equality, sustainability, and athlete well-being.
Kirsty Coventry Elected as New IOC President
At the 144th IOC Session, Kirsty Coventry was elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making history as the first female and first African President.
An Olympic champion in swimming, Coventry won her first gold medal at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, an achievement that now holds even greater significance as she assumes the presidency in Greece. Reflecting on this moment, she stated: “Greece didn’t just give birth to the Olympic Games. It also allowed me to win my first Olympic gold medal in 2004, so it holds a very special place in my heart.”
World Boxing’s Path to the LA28 Olympic Games
The IOC Session also addressed the future of boxing within the Olympic Movement. A significant development for the sport was the recent inclusion of World Boxing as a member of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF). This marks an important step in the sport’s journey toward stability and governance at the world level.
Boxing, a sport with a rich history in the Olympic Games since 1904, was initially excluded from the LA28 Olympic. With the recent provisional recognition of World Boxing by the IOC and its official membership in ARISF, boxing’s Olympic future is secure and on a positive trajectory toward the LA28 Games.
Updates from the IOC Executive Board
The IOC Executive Board (EB) approved key decisions during its meeting on 17 March 2025 in Greece. Among them, the Participation Principles for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 were confirmed, reinforcing the event’s commitment to universality, gender equality, and strong African representation. The IOC will centrally manage athlete quota allocation in close collaboration with NOCs and IFs, ensuring an inclusive and merit-based selection system. A dedicated webinar will be organised in April 2025 to guide IFs in establishing sport-specific eligibility criteria.
Additionally, the Qualification System Principles (QSP) for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 were approved, maintaining a focus on best athlete participation, universality, and continental representation, with a two-year qualification period. The sport entries deadline has been set for 26 June 2028.
For the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032, the initial Sport Programme decision has been deferred to 2026, allowing the Brisbane Organising Committee more time to refine infrastructure plans and optimise partnerships with IFs.
ARISF’s Acknowledgement
ARISF President Raffaele Chiulli attended the IOC Session in representation of all IOC Recognised International Sports Federations extended its gratitude to Thomas Bach for his leadership and dedication to the Olympic Movement. His vision and commitment have shaped the future of international sport, leaving a lasting legacy.
On behalf of the whole ARISF family he congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her historic election as the first female and African President of the IOC. Her leadership will bring new perspectives and opportunities for the Olympic community.
Finally, President Chiulli commended World Boxing on its continued progress within the Olympic Movement. Its recent recognition and inclusion in ARISF highlight the importance of strong governance and the commitment to ensuring boxing remains an integral part of the Olympic Games.
