About OFI
Know more about Us
About O.F.I.
The Orienteering Federation of India (OFI) was established to advance the sport of Orienteering across the nation, providing a structured platform for participants of all ages and skill levels to explore this dynamic activity. activity. The Late Pardeep Kumar Gautam, stalwart sportsperson and coach was the person who first brought Orienteering to India. Shri Gautam during his visits abroad saw the potential of this great sport and after mastering the same began Orienteering in India in a small scale at Delhi which started blossoming and led to the establishment of the Orienteering Federation of India in the early 90’s. The Orienteering Federation of India became a member of the International Orienteering Federation on July, 1st 1997. Shri Pardeep Kumar Gautam was the first Chief Coach and the first Secretary General of the Orienteering Federation of India. He has trained and coached many Orienteers throughout India, including Shri Jayant Misra, our Hon’ble Chairman.
The Orienteering Federation of India is a public charitable organisation registered with the Government of India. We are spreading this wonderful game throughout India through our large number of team members, volunteers and other Orienteering enthusiasts. Some of our prominent team members are introduced below.
Our Vision
OFI operates as the governing body for Orienteering in India, working according to the guidelines by the International Orienteering Federation (IOF). By aligning with IOF standards, OFI ensures that its events, training programs, and mapping techniques adhere to globally recognized norms. This commitment to excellence has placed India on the global Orienteering map, with a large number of Indian athletes and enthusiasts participating in various events throughout India and abroad also, allowing Indian athletes and participants to compete nationally and internationally and showcase their skills on prestigious platforms.
Our Objectives
One of the primary objectives of OFI is to make Orienteering accessible and inclusive. To achieve this, the Federation focuses on grassroots development by establishing regional clubs, conducting training camps, and organizing community outreach programs. These initiatives aim to introduce Orienteering to schools, colleges, and rural areas, fostering a culture of outdoor exploration and environmental awareness. Through partnerships with educational institutions and local bodies, OFI has succeeded in bringing this sport closer to people who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities .The logos of our top performing clubs (platinum clubs) have been given place in the gallery.
OFI Team
Our Mentor
Our Chairman
Vice President & CEO Orienteering Development Commission
President
Secretary General
Chief Coach
Head Of Events
Head Of IT
Akshay jagdish tank
CEO Mapping Commission
Orienteering Safety and Welfare
Orienteering Safety and Welfare Orienteering is an exciting outdoor activity that combines navigation and adventure. To ensure that participants have a safe and enjoyable experience, it is essential to prioritize safety and welfare at every step.
Safety Measures:
Safety and welfare are foundational principles for the Orienteering Federation of India (OFI). Orienteering is a sport that combines adventure with physical endurance and mental agility, often taking participants through diverse and unfamiliar terrains. As such, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants is a top priority in every event organized by OFI. The Federation has implemented comprehensive measures to create a secure environment while maintaining the excitement and challenge of the sport.
Participant Safety Measures:
To promote safety, OFI provides participants with detailed maps, standardized control descriptions, and essential safety equipment. The maps, prepared to International Orienteering Federation (IOF) standards, ensure clarity and accuracy, enabling participants to navigate courses confidently. Control descriptions provide specific information about checkpoints, reducing the risk of errors or confusion during navigation. Participants are also required to carry whistles, which are vital for signaling distress in emergencies. The use of the internationally recognized distress signal—three long blasts—is a standard protocol taught to all participants during event briefings.
Instructor and Organizer Preparedness
The instructors and event organizers play a crucial role in maintaining safety during Orienteering activities.
- They undergo rigorous training in first aid, emergency response, and risk management.
- This preparedness enables them to handle a wide range of situations, from minor injuries to disorientation or lost participants.
- Emergency response plans are in place at all events, with clearly defined protocols for searching and assisting participants in need of help.
- Dedicated volunteers and medical staff are stationed at key points, ensuring that aid is available promptly if required.
Orienteering Ethics Policy
The Orienteering Federation of India (OFI) has a responsibility to uphold ethical practices in the sport to ensure fairness, respect, and sustainability. While specific policies may vary, a general Orienteering Ethics Policy for the federation could include the following principles:Embellish your tab section with Full Grid - Icon & Gradient Fill style. You can use the gradient buttons on the tab, and gradient outline in the content box
OFI places equal importance on environmental stewardship as part of its safety and welfare policies. Orienteering often takes participants through forests, fields, and other natural landscapes, making it essential to minimize environmental impact. Participants are urged to respect nature by adhering to ethical guidelines, such as avoiding littering, staying on designated paths, and leaving flora and fauna undisturbed. These practices not only preserve the integrity of the environment but also create a harmonious relationship between participants and the natural world.
OFI emphasizes ethical behaviour and fair play to ensure a positive experience for all participants. Guidelines prohibit following other participants or tampering with control points, fostering a spirit of integrity and self-reliance. Additionally, participants are encouraged to assist others in need, reinforcing the values of camaraderie and mutual support. These ethical practices contribute to a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can focus on developing their skills and enjoying the sport.
To maintain high safety standards, OFI regularly reviews its protocols and incorporates feedback from participants, instructors, and organizers. Innovations in technology, such as electronic punching systems and GPS tracking, are also explored to enhance safety and efficiency. By staying proactive and adaptable, OFI ensures that safety remains at the forefront of its activities without compromising the excitement and challenge of orienteering.
Safety and welfare are integral to the mission of the Orienteering Federation of India. Through meticulous planning, comprehensive training, and a commitment to ethical and environmental responsibility, OFI ensures that participants can engage in the sport with confidence and enthusiasm. By prioritizing safety, the Federation creates an environment where individuals can explore, compete, and grow while experiencing the joys of orienteering in a secure and responsible manner.
The Orienteering Federation of India (OFI) is deeply committed to fostering a culture of integrity, fairness, and respect within the sport of orienteering. Its Ethics Policy is designed to ensure that all participants, organizers, and stakeholders adhere to the highest standards of conduct, promoting a safe and inclusive environment. This policy reflects the Federation’s dedication to ethical behavior, environmental responsibility, and gender equality, creating a framework for positive engagement in all activities under its purview.
One of the core pillars of the Ethics Policy is fair play, which emphasizes honesty, integrity, and respect among participants. OFI strictly prohibits any form of cheating, including following or interfering with other participants or tampering with control points during events. These rules are fundamental to maintaining the sport’s integrity and encouraging self-reliance and decision-making skills among participants. Fair play also extends to organizers, who are expected to provide equal opportunities for all competitors and ensure unbiased outcomes in all events.
The Federation is equally committed to gender equality and inclusivity. OFI promotes the active participation of women and girls in orienteering, offering tailored programs and leadership opportunities to encourage their involvement. The Federation also enforces policies against discrimination and harassment, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all. Participants, coaches, and volunteers are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity, fostering a culture of mutual support and collaboration.
Environmental stewardship is another critical component of the Ethics Policy. Orienteering takes place in natural settings, and OFI encourages participants to minimize their impact on the environment. Ethical guidelines include avoiding littering, respecting wildlife, and adhering to designated paths to preserve the integrity of the landscapes used for events. By promoting responsible practices, OFI ensures that orienteering activities contribute to environmental conservation and sustainability.
The Federation’s ethics policy also addresses transparency and accountability in its operations. OFI’s leadership and organizers are expected to act with integrity in their decision-making processes, financial management, and interactions with stakeholders. Any conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed to ensure that the Federation operates in the best interests of the sport and its community.
OFI Anti-Doping Policy
The Orienteering Federation of India (OFI) is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring a fair and clean sporting environment. Its Anti-Doping Policy aligns with the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Code and reflects the Federation’s dedication to protecting the integrity of Orienteering. This policy aims to educate athletes, coaches, and stakeholders about the consequences of doping and enforce strict measures to prevent its occurrence.
Under the Anti-Doping Policy, all athletes are required to compete without the use of performance-enhancing drugs or prohibited substances. OFI provides participants with comprehensive education on doping regulations, including an updated list of banned substances and methods. Workshops and awareness campaigns are conducted to ensure that athletes, coaches, and support staff understand the importance of clean competition and the potential risks associated with doping.
Strict enforcement underscores OFI’s zero-tolerance approach to doping. In addition to enforcement, OFI emphasizes the importance of education and prevention. Athletes are encouraged to prioritize natural training methods, balanced nutrition, and mental conditioning to enhance performance. Coaches and support staff play a critical role in fostering a culture of clean competition, serving as role models and advocates for ethical behavior.
The Anti-Doping Policy also includes provisions for the rehabilitation of athletes who have violated the rules. OFI works with such individuals to provide counselling and guidance, helping them reintegrate into the sport while adhering to ethical and regulatory standards.
In conclusion, OFI’s Ethics Policy and Anti-Doping Policy are integral to its mission of promoting fairness, integrity, and inclusivity in Orienteering. By upholding these principles, the Federation ensures that participants can compete in a safe, equitable, and ethical environment, fostering a culture of respect and responsibility both on and off the field.