Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju Sunday said long-term preparation was necessary to ensure the country’s athletes win medals in top-notch events like the Olympics.
He expressed displeasure at the country not winning as manymedals in comparison to the potential itpossessed.
The minister said his main objective was to develop a sportsculture in the country aimed at making athletes attain excellence.
He was addressing athletes at the Sports Authority ofIndia’s facility in the metropolis.
“Time is very less. We can’t create new athletes now.But the focus of the government is to provide all support for the athletes toqualify,” Rijiju said about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Long-term steps are necessary for preparations forParis Olympics in 2024 and the Los Angeles edition in 2028. We haven’t beendoing well in the last few years when it comes to winning gold,” he said.
“Policy changes, capacity building, scientific researchand imparting highest level of training has to be the focus,” the ministersaid.
The minister said athletes, irrespective of levels ofseniority, will be served equal amount of food depending upon the dietsuggested by the nutritionist as well as personal likes and dislikes.Rijiju expressed optimism that India would winthe cricket World Cup underway in England and Wales.