International Olympic Day

International Olympic Day is celebrated every year on June 23 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games. It is a day that goes beyond sports, promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. The occasion inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in physical activities and celebrate the power of sport in fostering unity and peace.

The Background

International Olympic Day marks the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 23, 1894, in Paris. The idea of reviving the Olympic Games was led by French educator Pierre de Coubertin, who envisioned the Games as a means to bring nations together through athletic competition. The first Olympic Day was celebrated in 1948 in nine countries. Since then, the movement has grown to include events in over 150 nations.

The day is more than a commemoration of the Olympic movement. It is a global reminder of how sports can play a crucial role in promoting healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, and mutual understanding. It encourages people not only to move and be active, but also to embrace the spirit of togetherness that sports represent.

Nepal at the Olympics

Nepal has taken part in twelve Summer Olympics and four Winter Olympics. The Nepal Olympic Committee was established in 1962 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1963. In 1924, Nepali national Tejbir Bura received a gold medal in alpinism for his role in the 1922 British Mount Everest expedition. The medal was awarded to a mixed team and is not listed on the official IOC website. Bidhan Lama won a bronze in taekwondo at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, but it is not counted officially as the sport was only a demonstration event that year.