Rajyavardhan Rathore replaces Vijay Goel as new Sports Minister

Rathore – the country’s first Olympic silver medallist – has been named as the Sports Minister following a major cabinet reshuffle.

Rathore has three Commonwealth Gold medals, and two World Championship Gold medals as well to his name.

In a major cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rathore replaces Vijay Goel, who has been made the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs.

"I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister of the country for reposing faith in me and giving me a very important ministry. I say it’s important because if we have to build a new India, the new India will be build by the youth of this nation,” the 47-old year said.

"And the youth of the nation should be provided with the best of the opportunities. It’s not just that in schools and colleges that you find education for life but it’s also in the sports field,” he added.

The Athens Olympic silver medallist further said that both the central and the state governments should provide the young generation with the best of the opportunities. He added that it’s the job of the Sports Ministry to be a service provider for sportspersons.

"Let’s create systems that takeaway all hurdles from the sportsmen other than his adversary. Let’s create a new India that is fit, mentally and physically strong and is able to win medals for this country,” he said.

Rathore, country’s first Olympic silver medallist, has three Commonwealth Gold medals, and two World Championship Gold medals as well to his name.