28th Olympic Games

Celebrating the Olympic Spirit

The Olympic Games represent one of the greatest global sporting spectacles, where athletes from across continents gather to test the limits of human endurance, strength, and skill. Guided by the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius”—meaning faster, higher, stronger—the Games celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship beyond boundaries of race, culture, and ideology.

Origins of the Ancient Olympic Games

The origins of the Olympics can be traced back to 776 BC, when the first recorded games were held at Olympia in the western Peloponnese of Greece. The first event was a 170-metre foot race, won by an athlete named Coroibos.

Over time, the Games expanded to include additional events such as longer races and the pentathlon, which consisted of running, discus throwing, long jump, javelin throw, and wrestling. Winners were honoured with an olive wreath, but the recognition and prestige they received in their home cities were often even greater. The importance of the Games was so significant that warring states temporarily ceased hostilities to allow athletes and spectators to participate peacefully.

Revival of the Modern Olympic Games

The ancient Olympic Games came to an end in the 4th century AD when they were banned by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I.

The revival of the Olympic movement occurred centuries later due to the efforts of Pierre de Coubertin. His vision led to the formation of the International Olympic Committee in 1894. As a result, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896, establishing the tradition of hosting the Games every four years with participation from nations around the world.

India and the Olympic Movement

India has been associated with the Olympic movement for more than a century and is among the oldest members of the Olympic family. India first participated in the Olympics in 1900, when a lone athlete representing the country won one silver and one bronze medal in athletics.

Since 1920, India has regularly taken part in the Olympic Games. The nation achieved remarkable success in Field Hockey, winning six consecutive gold medals from 1928 to 1956. India later secured additional Olympic hockey gold medals at the 1964 Summer Olympics and the 1980 Summer Olympics.

In more recent times, Indian athletes have continued to bring pride to the nation. Leander Paes won a bronze medal in tennis at the 1996 Summer Olympics, while Karnam Malleswari earned a bronze medal in weightlifting at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

The 28th Olympic Games

The 2004 Summer Olympics were held in Athens from 13 to 29 August 2004, bringing the Games back to their historic birthplace. During these Olympics, India participated in 14 sporting disciplines, continuing its long association with the Olympic movement.

Olympic Stamps

Olympic-themed postage stamps have been popular among collectors since the first modern Games, when Greece issued twelve commemorative stamps in 1896. Since then, many countries have released stamps celebrating Olympic events and achievements.

To honour the Olympic spirit and India’s dedication to excellence in sports, India Post issued a set of four commemorative stamps to mark the 28th Olympic Games. These stamps highlight four important sporting disciplines:

• Wrestling
• Shooting
• Field Hockey
• Athletics

Through this special issue, India celebrates the timeless ideals of the Olympic movement—excellence, friendship, and respect—and honours the athletes who strive to achieve greatness on the world stage.