Your goal should be to win, win, and win : Sports Minister Vijay Goel to athletes

In his maiden visit to the SAI centre in Bengaluru, Sports Minister Vijay Goel reviewed the progress of the athletes at the camp and wished them all the best for the upcoming Olympics.

"The minister wished all athletes, including Hockey (Men), Athletes (Walkers, Middle, and Long Distance runners and Relay team) and Para Athletes all the best for Olympics/Paralympics," the Ministry said in a release.

"He also complimented the Staff, Coaches, Sports Scientists and Officers, who did a wonderful job to support the National Campers to make them comfortable by providing all the required facilities and prepare them for the International Competitions as well as for the forthcoming Rio Olympic Games 2016," it added.

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This is the first time that we have such a big contingent. “There are 122 members in 15 disciplines. We have provided the players with all facilities — like good Indian coaches and wherever needed foreign coaches too."

Vijay Goel

India will send its biggest-ever contingent to the Olympics, this time around and the Minister stated that they have provided the athletes all the facilities to prepare for the quadrennial event.

“This is the first time that we have such a big contingent.

“There are 122 members in 15 disciplines. We have provided the players with all facilities — like good Indian coaches and wherever needed foreign coaches too.

“They have received the required technical support. Physios were provided whoever needed them. For the hockey players, the latest international turf has been given. The Target Olympic Podium scheme has received the entire budget it needed. So the preparations have been very good this time,” said Vijay Goel, reported the Hindu.

“Your goal should be to win, win and win."

Vijay Goel

The Minister told the athletes that their goal should be to win and nothing else.

“Your goal should be to win, win and win,” the Minister said.

Vijay Goel also confirmed that all Olympic medal winners will be considered for Arjuna and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awards.

“They are eligible,” said Goel. “Whenever there is Olympics, the number will be increased. But after they get the Olympic medal, which award is bigger than that?”

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