MH-SPORTS-RIJIJU

Long-term preparation needed for medals, says Rijiju
    Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI) Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju
Sunday said long-term preparation was necessary to ensure the
country's athletes win medals in top-notch events like the
Olympics.
    He expressed displeasure at the country not winning as
many medals in comparison to the potential it possessed.
    The minister said his main objective was to develop a
sports culture in the country aimed at making athletes attain
excellence.
    He was addressing athletes at the Sports Authority of
India's facility in the metropolis.
    "Time is very less. We can't create new athletes now.
But the focus of the government is to provide all support for
the athletes to qualify," Rijiju said about the 2020 Tokyo
Olympics.
    "Long-term steps are necessary for preparations for
Paris Olympics in 2024 and the Los Angeles edition in 2028. We
haven't been doing well in the last few years when it comes to
winning gold," he said.
    "Policy changes, capacity building, scientific
research and imparting highest level of training has to be the
focus," the minister said.
    The minister said athletes, irrespective of levels of
seniority, will be served equal amount of food depending upon
the diet suggested by the nutritionist as well as personal
likes and dislikes.
    Rijiju expressed optimism that India would win the
cricket World Cup underway in England and Wales. PTI MR
BNM BNM

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from a PTI feed.)