Indian athletes training for the Paris Olympics are receiving the best possible backing, according to Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.
Dr Mandaviya visited the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS) on June 29th to meet with Olympic hopefuls like weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, javelin thrower Annu Rani and shot putter Abha Khatua. He also inspected ongoing infrastructure developments at the facility.
“My discussions with Mirabai, Annu, and Abha solidify my belief that our athletes have everything they need to succeed at the Paris Games,” stated Dr. Mandaviya.
The athletes themselves echoed the Minister’s sentiment. Chanu expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support, particularly for securing renowned sports scientist Dr. Aaron Horschig. Rani highlighted the value of extended training at European bases.
Dr Mandaviya also interacted with other athletes and coaches, seeking their input on reducing athlete drop-out rates. He acknowledged their existing support but emphasized the need to address the gap for those who don’t win medals.
Reinforcing Prime Minister Modi’s vision for holistic sports development, Dr. Mandaviya declared the government’s commitment to identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
Following his visit, the Minister reviewed the progress of various facilities at NIS, including playing fields, sports science labs, and new infrastructure projects. He expressed satisfaction with the development of the High Performance Centre for Sports Science, kitchen, and dining area.
“I’m honoured to be at the esteemed NIS, the cornerstone of Indian sports,” Dr. Mandaviya remarked. “It remains not only a crucial hub for training exceptional coaches but also boasts world-class facilities. Some athletes who trained internationally even consider NIS on par with the best.”
Dr Mandaviya then proceeded to Panchkula to unveil the Athletics Federation of India’s new logo at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships.
