Gender Equality, Diversity
and Inclusion Champions
The IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions are awarded annually to promote the advancement of gender equality, diversity and inclusion in and through sport.
They recognise outstanding individuals who are advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion in and through sport.
Six Awards in the form of trophies are awarded each year as follows:
- One at world level; and
- One each for Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
The Awards are granted to individuals in recognition of an outstanding contribution to gender equality, diversity and inclusion in and through sport across the areas of participation, leadership, safe sport, portrayal and resource allocation.
Abhijit Bhattacharya, Global Winner of the 2025 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Awards
Following his elite sporting career as former captain of the Indian men’s national volleyball team, Abhijit Bhattacharya launched large-scale, inclusive grassroots sports programmes for children in rural and underserved communities in Assam, in northeastern India, ensuring equal access and visibility for girls and boys in sport.
Five continental winners have also been recognised:
- Africa: Racheal Kundananji, Zambia
- Americas: Mónica Elvira Franco Luzcando, Panama
- Asia: Kim Yeon-koung OLY, South Korea
- Europe: Michele Kang, France
- Oceania: Robyn Cockburn, New Zealand
Previous winners
From 2000 to 2023, the IOC Women and Sport Awards were given to women, men or organisations who have made remarkable contributions to the development, encouragement and reinforcement of women and girls’ participation in sport.
Find out more about past winners of the IOC Women and Sport Awards below: