Our system is slowly falling into place, reveals Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

12/10/2018

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore remains highly optimistic about the future of sports in India saying that the system implemented by the Sports Ministry is showing positive results. Singh added that he would prefer investing funds to improve infrastructure rather than hosting international competitions.

India have had a brilliant 2018 as far as sports is concerned, having put in a stunning performance at the Gold Coast CWG and also setting a new highest medals tally at the Asian Games in Jakarta & Palembang. Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is proud of the results his system has brought about in the past couple of years and added that things will only get better from here onwards.

In a recent interview with TOI, Rathore spoke about the vision he had for Indian sportsmen and women in the next couple of years. The Olympian also added that the belief to achieve more has percolated to the grassroots level.

"It's a combination of variety of factors and it's a sense of self-belief and confidence which is making a difference. It was also there in our time but now it has percolated to grass-root levels. A villager isn't overhauled when he gets into the international arena. The aspiration levels are high because of social media. There is a belief that they can. Our system is also falling in place. Our people are large-hearted. There is sports sponsorship that is happening.

"I organized a kabaddi tournament in my constituency. Every village took part. The sweet shop owners bought shoes for the teams. They made their teams like IPL. The team owners made teams after the names of gods. Small traders took to this sports and it turned out to be quite an event. The good thing is that sponsorship is coming into sports at all levels. The PSUs are funding and thanks to these corporate supports, India is able to customize trainings. Even the corporates are offering jobs. Most importantly, we are trying to create an efficient system, wherein more sports get opportunity to pursue sports professionally," Rathore told TOI reporters.

The Olympic silver medalist reckons that the Khelo India movement will reach its peak by 2028 under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi.

"Our PM had the mission to create a system, an aspiration platform, get them the taste of international success at a very young age and identifying the talent. It's on an upswing now. Can you imagine what Khelo India would be in the next 10 years? There will be a time when international athletes will take part in Khelo India. Our athletes will come and beat them and it would be massive movement by 2028," Rathore added.

Recently, reports emerged that the IOA will bid to host the 2032 Olympic Games in India, but Rathore revealed that he would rather invest funds on sports infrastructure as compared to hosting international competitions.

"Our job is to create a sporting environment. I would use the same money for creating an infrastructure for sports and see it goes," he concluded.