The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s global movement campaign “Let’s
Move” returns to India this Olympic Day (23 June) with its new edition, “Let’s Move
+1”, in partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and the Reliance Foundation.
This year’s theme focuses on the joy and motivation of moving together—inviting
people across India to experience the power of sport to boost both physical and
mental wellbeing.
Marking Olympic Day on 23 June, the campaign shines a spotlight on the benefits of
playing sport or working out with someone else—encouraging people to take the first
step and bring a friend, sibling, colleague, or family member along. As part of the
celebrations, over 50 sports venues across India will open their doors to the public
for free paired sessions in sports such as football, padel, cricket, badminton and
pickleball. Anyone can take part—just bring your +1 and move together.
Nearly 50 per cent of adults in India, and 81 per cent of young people globally, are
failing to reach the recommended activity levels for optimal health (World Health
Organization, 2024). Taking part in physical activities with others can help people
start moving and keep going – through shared goals, encouragement, and
enjoyment. Sport is more than moving, it is also an opportunity to spend time with
others, connect and build community. This can create a sense of belonging and help
fight loneliness – something the WHO has identified as a growing concern for
people’s health – and support mental wellbeing.
As part of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), schools across the
nation are invited to join the movement. Through OVEP, in collaboration with the IOC
and the governments of Chandigarh UT, Odisha and Assam, the Abhinav Bindra
Foundation initiative has already positively impacted over 10 million children by
enhancing physical activity, gender inclusivity and educational outcomes.
This summer, more than 12 million schoolchildren are expected to take part across
Chandigarh, Odisha, and Assam – including practising teamwork and balance
through paired yoga, and rhythm and coordination through group dance sessions.
There will be a variety of sports and movement activities to try, including skipping,
football, cricket, volleyball and kho-kho – together with Olympic-themed arts and
crafts on 23 June.
Olympic gold medallist in shooting at Beijing 2008 and IOC Athletes’ Commission
member Abhinav Bindra said: “Through the Olympic Values Education Programme in
Chandigarh, Assam and Odisha, and the inaugural ‘Let’s Move’ campaign in India,
we have witnessed how sport can inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation.
Maison Olympique, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland | Tel +41 21 621 6111 | Fax +41 21 621 6356 | www.olympics.com
‘Let’s Move +1’ carries this spirit forward, reminding us that sport is not just about
physical strength—it is about fostering connection, mutual support, and a shared
sense of purpose.”
The Reliance Foundation, as part of its commitment to OVEP, will be curating a
number of initiatives to get more young people moving. These include activating their
network of schools with fun “Let’s Move” activities. A special Olympic Day celebration
on 23 June will see 1,450 schoolchildren move and interact with Olympians,
including celebrated archers Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari.
“Sport has shaped who I am – it’s given me strength, taught me resilience, and
opened opportunities. It has also shown me the value of having someone in your
corner – to lift you up, to help you focus, to bring joy to the journey. That’s why I am
excited to pay it forward by inviting young people to move with me, and share
everything that sport brings,” said Reliance Foundation-supported athlete and four-
time Olympian Deepika Kumari.
“Let’s Move” launched in collaboration with the WHO on Olympic Day 2023, aiming
to create encouragement and opportunities to move more. It forms part of the
Olympic Movement’s mission to make the world a better place through sport, setting
out to highlight the positive impact that sport and fitness have on physical and mental
health. Through local physical and digital activations, and partnerships with the
Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Reliance Foundation and their ongoing OVEP
initiatives, “Let’s Move” has already engaged over 20 million people in India.
“Let’s Move?” is the theme of Olympic Day, the global celebration of sport and
getting active that takes place on 23 June each year to commemorate the founding
of the modern Olympic Games in 1894. It will continue beyond Olympic Day, with the
ambition, along with the support of the Olympic Movement, to continue to inspire and
enable people to move and enjoy physical activity through resources, activations,
and content.
