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

Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, urged the private sector to play an active role in promoting fitness in the country. He said that all the nations who are sporting power, have the sports culture there, and playing games comes naturally to their citizens and children but in India, this was not true. Now the 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 the economy, politically, and spiritually. India’s rise will be complete and further 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 the country are its strength. So far, the primary concern of the family has been the financial security of the children, and hence the sports was not being encouraged. But now, changes are taking place. These can’t be achieved overnight. 

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

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Emphasis on fitness and sports:

He also spoke about emphasis on fitness and sports. The 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. The World community is looking forward to India, and the government, as well as the industry, has to play a pro-active role in it. We have to take a fitness programme forward to all the parts of the country.

Thinking aloud, he stated why should the country be settling for a few medals in international events. He said when India celebrates its 75th year of independence in 2022, the country should be fit. "2020 Olympics is too near but by 2024 or in 2028, India should be in top 10 in the medals tally. It is our target. If India cannot do this, I will feel my becoming Sports Minister is of no use," Rijiju concluded.

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