Why in News? 

International Olympic Day 2025 is celebrated on June 23 every year. 

About International Olympic Day 

• First celebrated in 1948. 
• Commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 23, 1894, in Paris. 
• Founded by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, regarded as the father of the modern Olympic Games. 
• Aims to promote international peace and physical fitness through sports. 
• Initially observed by 9 countries, now celebrated globally with millions participating. 
• The theme for International Olympic Day 2025, “Let’s Move?”, was jointly introduced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

History of the Olympic Rings  

• Designed in 1913 by Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games. 
• First used officially in the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. 
• The five interlocking rings symbolize the five inhabited continents: 
• Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. 
• The colours of the rings, along with the white background, were selected because they appear in every national flag. 
• The emblem reflects the spirit of unity and global participation, welcoming athletes from all over the world.  

Olympic Rings