Union Minister of State(Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Vijay Goel, had his first meeting with National Sports Federations (NSFs), here today, to discuss India’s performance in Rio Olympics, 2016 and the roadmap for future. The meeting was a part of the ongoing review of the performance at Rio by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister called for learning the right lessons from India’s performance in Rio Olympics, 2016, with a view to improving performance in future Olympic Games. He said that all the stakeholders, including the Government and NSFs will have to work together to achieve the desired level of excellence in sports. He said that norms of good governance and transparency will have to be followed by sports bodies to inspire confidence among the people. Sportspersons have to be given a key role in decision-making within the NSFs. The Minister urged the NSFs to work for the twin objectives of ‘ Sports for All’ and “ Excellence in Sports’. He expressed the resolve of the government to work for the promotion and growth of sports in the country. In this context, he referred to the deep interest shown by the Prime Minister in promotion of sports. He said that NSFs should use this opportunity, prepare an effective road map for future and leave minor internal differences behind.
Participating in the discussions, the representatives of the NSFs emphasized the need for increased funding for sports including corporate funding,monitoring of the performance of coaches and sportspersons, creation of the required sports infrastructure, jobs for sportspersons etc.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Vijay Goel said he favours self-regulation by NSFs for betterment of sports.
Among those who attended the meeting were the President and the Secretary General of Indian Olympic Association and senior officials of Department of Sports and Sports Authority of India