The first Olympic Games were held in 1896. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the supreme body for Olympic Sports and Games. All Olympic Games are hosted under the  auspices of the IOC. The various International Sports Federations (ISF) and the National Olympic Committees, which are affiliated to the IOC, help in the holding of the Games. At present, 28 International Federations and 151 National Olympic Committees are affiliated to the IOC. The Indian Olympic Association, which is the

National Olympic Committee of India, is  a very old member of the IOC.

Indian Olympic Association (lOA) was founded in 1927. At present, 21 National Sports Federations and 21 State Olympic Associations are affiliated to the lOA, which is responsible for participation of Indian contingents in Olympic, Commonwealth, Asian and other International Sports fixtures.

The 86th Session of International Olympic Committee is being held in New Delhi from 21st to 28th March 1983.  This is the first time that a Session of the IOC is being held in India. Many important decisions, including that on Eligibility Code for participants in Olympic Games, with  far-reaching  effects,  are  likely  to be taken during the course of the  Session in New Delhi. The main Session will be held from 25th to 28th March 1983, but the IOC has also held meetings of the Executive Board on 23rd and 24th March 1983. In addition, a large number of Commissions meetings of the IOC will also take place.

About 80 out of the 84 members have consented to take part  in the meeting which will also elect one Vice President and one member of the International Olympic Committee Executive Board.

The occasion will  provide an opportunity to the IOA to show to the IOC members, the infrastructure of international standard which was created for the IX Asian Games 1982. It is hoped that with minor additions  and improvements in the existing infrastructure, it will be possible for India to host the 1992 Olympic Games for which Indian Olympic Association have already made a request to  IOC.   However,  a  decision  on  the allotment of 1992 Olympic Games is likely to be taken in 1985 and till then the IOA will continue its efforts in improving existing facilities to convince the world body about India's capability to hold the Olympic Games.

The P & T Department is happy to commemorate this occasion by issuing a special postage stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India