New Delhi, 8 September 2024: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, spoke at the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event was attended by 45 Asian countries and important figures such as Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Shri J. P. Nadda, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, OCA President, Shri Raja Randhir Singh, and President of the Indian Olympic Association, Smt. P. T. Usha.
During his speech, Dr. Mandaviya shared how the Indian government has worked over the last decade to improve the country’s sports culture and achieve sporting success. He explained how programs like ‘Khelo India’, ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)’, and ‘ASMITA’ have helped raise the level of sports in India.
Growing Investment in Sports
Dr. Mandaviya pointed out that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has greatly increased the sports budget. The budget grew from around USD 143 million in 2014-15 to about USD 417 million today. This investment has helped India perform better at major sporting events. India earned 107 medals at the Asian Games and 111 medals at the Asian Para Games, both new records for the country.
Khelo India: Building a Strong Sports Base
The ‘Khelo India’ program was a key part of Dr. Mandaviya’s speech. He explained how the program, with an annual budget of USD 119 million, helps discover and train young sports talent all over the country. Each year, over 2,700 children receive scholarships under this scheme.
Four Khelo India Games are held annually, and over 1,050 district-level sports centers have been set up across India to provide sports infrastructure and training. These centers offer young athletes training, food, education, and allowances to help them succeed in sports.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
Dr. Mandaviya also talked about the ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)’, which prepares Indian athletes for the Olympics and other big international events. Of the 117 athletes representing India at the Paris Olympics, 28 were Khelo India athletes. Similarly, the Indian Paralympic team includes 18 Khelo India athletes, who have already won 29 medals, the country’s best-ever performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
ASMITA: Empowering Women in Sports
Another important program, ‘ASMITA’, was discussed. This initiative focuses on promoting gender equality and increasing the participation of women in sports. ASMITA supports women across 18 different sports, helping to make sure women athletes get the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
India’s Olympic Vision
In his conclusion, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the Olympic values and empowering athletes. He spoke proudly of India hosting the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia, and wished all the participating countries success in their future sporting efforts.
Shri J. P. Nadda’s Remarks
Union Minister Shri J. P. Nadda also spoke at the event. He highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed sports development since 2014. Under his leadership, programs like Khelo India and the creation of the National Sports University have been launched to discover and nurture sports talent across India.
Shri Nadda also acknowledged the important role of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in improving sports infrastructure and helping athletes by providing better facilities and opportunities to succeed.
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