IOC, Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Reliance Foundation launch ‘You Can Do This! Let’s Move’ to inspire India’s youth into action

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 18, 2026

In a renewed push to tackle physical inactivity and inspire a generation of healthier, more confident young people, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Reliance Foundation, has launched the latest edition of its nationwide sports participation campaign, “You Can Do This! Let’s Move.” The initiative, which officially begins on Olympic Day on June 23, seeks to encourage young Indians to embrace physical activity through the transformative power of sport and Olympic values.

Building on the success of the past two years, during which the campaign enabled nearly 20 million young people across India to become more active, this year’s programme will feature a wide range of sporting activities and digital engagement initiatives aimed at motivating youth to take their first step towards a more active lifestyle.

The campaign is being rolled out through the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), a collaborative effort that leverages sport as a tool for education, personal development and social change. By combining the inspirational appeal of the Olympic Movement with grassroots outreach, the initiative aims to make sports participation more accessible and appealing to young people across the country.

This year’s theme, “You Can Do This,” places a special emphasis on building self-belief among youth. Recognising that many young people hesitate to participate in physical activity due to self-doubt, fear of failure or feelings of inadequacy, the campaign seeks to break down these psychological barriers. It delivers a simple yet powerful message: feeling uncertain or imperfect is normal, and every journey begins with a single step.

The initiative comes at a crucial time. According to the World Health Organization’s 2024 findings, 74 per cent of Indian children and adolescents aged 11 to 17, along with 49 per cent of adults, do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity necessary for optimal health. The growing trend of sedentary lifestyles has emerged as a major public health concern, contributing to a range of physical and mental well-being challenges.

Through sports and movement, the campaign aims not only to improve physical fitness but also to nurture essential life skills such as resilience, perseverance, teamwork and communication. Organisers believe that even short periods of activity can significantly boost mood, energy levels and confidence, helping young people develop a positive outlook and stronger sense of self-worth.

By bringing together the global reach of the IOC and the grassroots expertise of the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Reliance Foundation, the campaign seeks to create a nationwide movement that inspires young Indians to discover the joy of sport and the confidence that comes from simply getting started.

As Olympic Day approaches, “You Can Do This! Let’s Move” is set to energise communities across India, reinforcing the message that every step, every effort and every moment of movement has the power to transform lives.