Sports policy under consideration, says Rijiju

Rijiju said his ministry will soon convene a meeting with sports departments of all states and private sector representatives to protect interests of athletes and ensure their welfare.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju speaks at an event in New Delhi.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said a new sports policy was under consideration, under which every player would be supported by the government.

He also hoped that India will do better at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

“This policy will be introduced after consultations with various sports organisations and the private sector,” Rijiju said.

The minister was in the city to inaugurate the UTT 6th Asian School Table Tennis Championship.

Rijiju said his ministry will soon convene a meeting with sports departments of all states and private sector representatives to protect interests of athletes and ensure their welfare.

Meanwhile, Rijiju lamented about India’s performance at the Olympics and expressed optimism that the country will fare better at the Tokyo Games.

“We will definitely perform better at the Olympics,” he said, adding a task force, set up after the 2016 Games, has come out with “very effective” suggestions to improve medal prospects.

In the 2016 Olympics at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, India had won only two medals - a bronze by wrestler Sakshi Malik and a silver by shuttler P.V. Sindhu in women’s singles.

Noting that promotion of sports is the primary responsibility of State Governments, Rijiju said the Centre supplements efforts of the states for bridging gaps in infrastructure.

“India will send a good contingent for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo,” Rijiju stressed.

He also said Indian athletes have been performing competitively at the international level in many disciplines.