Kiren Rijiju: India should be in top 10 medals tally by 2028 Olympics

Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, urged  private sector to play an active role in promoting fitness in country. He said that all nations who are sporting power, have sports culture re, and playing games comes naturally to ir citizens and children but in India, this was t true. w time has come to change. He also said that desired results can’t be achieved without developing a positive and conducive sports culture. 

"Sporting culture has to become a way of life. India is aspiring to be a global leader, and we are already doing well in ecomy, politically, and spiritually. India’s rise will be complete and furr consolidated if we become a sports power," Rijiju was quoted as saying by PTI. 

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Rijiju said that 1.3 billion people of country are its strength. So far, primary concern of family has been financial security of children, and hence sports was t being encourd. But w, changes are taking place. se can’t be achieved overnight. 

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He also stressed on need to change our outlook. He said that  sports ministry is doing needful to provide world-class facilities to athletes. Rijiju also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 'Fit India Movement' which PM launched on occasion of National Sports Day. He said how well movement was received by  people.

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Emphasis on fitness and sports:

He also spoke about emphasis on fitness and sports. sports minister said that we have to move from curative to preventive mentality, and fitness leads to prevention to a number of disorders and diseases. World community is looking forward to India, and government, as well as industry, has to play a pro-active role in it. We have to take a fitness programme forward to all parts of country.

Thinking aloud, he stated why should country be settling for a few medals in international events. He said when India celebrates its 75th year of independence in 2022, country should be fit. "2020 Olympics is too near but by 2024 or in 2028, India should be in top 10 in medals tally. It is our target. If India cant do this, I will feel my becoming Sports Minister is of use," Rijiju concluded.

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