<p>There is a growing sense of excitement as the days to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris approach to see Indian sportsmen compete at the highest level worldwide. Sports Minister Anurag Thakur showed confidence that the athletes will “reflect the new India” in Paris 2024 because of their “fearless and competitive nature,” despite the fact that the players are training hard for the Games.</p>
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<p>Anurag Thakur discussed his opinions on the Paris Games, Khelo India, anti-doping initiatives, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assistance to the athletes in an exclusive interview with IANS. The minister made particular notice of Prime Minister Modi’s novel strategy for motivating the athletes without putting them under excessive strain.</p>
<p>Q) Since this year is an Olympic year, how are things going in terms of the government giving the athletes all the criteria they need? This time, how many medals are you anticipating? Will we surpass the previous record?</p>
<p>Thakur: “I have no doubt that our athletes will return from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with the most medals. Their tenacity and diligence, supported by the coaching and support personnel as well as the Ministry via the Sports Authority of India and their National Sports Federations, give me great confidence. I have no doubt that the athletes’ bold and competitive spirit will represent the new India.</p>
<p>Q): What do you think of Khelo India’s contribution to the growth of sports in India, and what more can be done? It’s crucial for coaches and players to get educated on doping.</p>
<p>Thakur: “The nation’s main sports initiative is the Khelo India Scheme, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned. The Khelo India Winter Games, Khelo India Para Games, Khelo India University Games, and Khelo India Youth Games are not the only contests that matter.</p>
<p>The construction of infrastructure is one of the main goals of the Khelo India Scheme. Since 2014, a total of 331 projects totaling Rs. 2943.64 crore have been approved. This has brought top-notch sporting facilities right to the homes of aspiring athletes. A different facet is identifying and nurturing talent via a network of training facilities that includes the National Centers of Excellence, SAI Training Centers, Khelo India State Centers, and Khelo India Accredited Academies around the nation.</p>
<p>“To improve anti-doping awareness among athletes, the National Anti-Doping Agency conducts workshops and seminars as a major part of its anti-doping education program. As part of its testing program, it also performed more than 5,800 tests in 2023 to make sure Indian athletes are tested at home before competing worldwide.</p>
<p>Q) On March 5, Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 in Bilaspur was officially opened. Rahul Dravid, the coach, and Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, were also in attendance. What do you think about the project and its impact on young athletes in Himachal Pradesh?</p>
<p>Thakur: “In an attempt to give Himachal Pradeshi children an opportunity to participate in a sporting event that could act as a stepping stone for them to consider taking up sports as a full-time career, the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh in Hamirpur district was among the first ones to be started in 2018.”</p>
<p>It was in keeping with the Honourable PM’s aim to establish a grassroots sports ecosystem that could serve as a catalyst for discovering athletic potential in even the most remote regions of the nation. About 40,000 children participated in the inaugural event, which was later adopted by many states and used as a national case study.</p>
<p>“We have been able to engage over 1 lakh children, both boys and girls, in five different sporting disciplines over the three seasons we have hosted so far, and many of them have gone on to represent the state in various competitions.” The fact that Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma attended the most recent edition and Sachin Tendulkar consented to opening the inaugural edition is evidence that these legendary athletes think this concept has potential.</p>
<p>Q) The athletes found that the notion of not placing pressure on them to win medals helped them decompress. What do you think about that?</p>
<p>Thakur: “The path has been blazed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is nothing like the way he greets the athletes before and after big events. He has often urged them to compete fiercely without being too fixated on the result. As a result, athletes are no longer constrained by expectations and may give their all. I think his support has been much appreciated by our athletes, and as a result, many people now realize that the fundamental aspect of sports is to obey the rules and be content with the results.</p>
“Before the Olympics in Paris in 2024, athletes will represent the New India,” says Sports Minister Anurag Thakur
