Rajyavardhan Rathore wants to make India sports equipment manufacturing centre

While India is gradually developing into the new sports hub of the world with the grassroots games taking a giant stride, the country has also lacked logistical options like sports equipment on the other end. This has forced many young and poor sportspersons to opt out of the sports at a young age. After organizing a successful Khelo India, the sports ministry has now been eyeing more changes in the sports sector. 

Rathore has his eyes primarily set to make India a manufacturing hub of sports equipment now. He has emphasized on the need of active role of the private sectors in improving sports infrastructure in India.

"...we plan to hold a summit of the best sports goods manufacturers of India and the world to deliberate on how and what we need to do to change the policies of the country to make India a manufacturing hub of sports equipment," Rathore said at SportEX.Asia 2018, reported PTI.

"We plan to make India a force to reckon with in the field of sports and need support from the private sector. Currently, we are focused on two programs -- excellence in sports through our Target Olympic Podium scheme and broadbasing of sport through the largest schools games competition- Khelo India," he added.

The reason behind the Khelo India initiative was to identify talent at the grass-root level and the school level, and the event gave a golden opportunity to youngsters to get support from people in charge. The Sports Minister opined that this kind of moves will definitely work in changing their views towards sports.

"We intend to change the mindset of people towards sport. For that, the environment around sport needs to be revitalised and re-energised. This includes all aspects of sports namely manufacturing, education, skill training, sports science, sports broadcast, events, managing academies among others," he added.