The idea of forming the Mysore Olympic Association began to take concrete shape way back in 1958. It was exactly at 9.30 a.m. that some very dedicated sporting personalities met in the Deccan Herald building on Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bangalore - 1, on February 23, 1958 to take steps to achieve their goal.

Karnataka Athletic Association is the official body for running and managing athletics in Karnataka and is affiliated to the Athletics Federation of India. The association organizes the State Championship and trains the athletes for Various National Competitions held across India by AFI. KAA selects the State Athletics Teams for various national competitions and conducts the State Championships for various age categories. It has conducted various national level championship.