Sports minister hopeful of India bettering its medals tally at Paris Olympics

NEW DELHI: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya conveyed his confidence on Sunday regarding the Indian team's potential to establish new records at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris. He stressed that the government has placed significant emphasis on sports in recent years.
"I am confident that this contingent will sustain India's growth trajectory in sports," PTI quoted Mandaviya as saying during the ceremonial send-off of the Paris-bound athletes and the unveiling of the playing kits of the contingent.
"We saw a spurt from two medals in 2016 Rio to seven in Tokyo as India rose from 67th to 48th (position), largely due to Neeraj Chopra's javelin gold. I am hoping that our athletes will take us even higher on the medal table this time."
The event, graced by the presence of athletes, PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association, and Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, shed light on the government's initiatives to support athletes in their preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games.
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme, a key focus of the gathering, aims to provide comprehensive assistance to athletes as they gear up for the prestigious event.
"The government has supported athletes through various schemes such as TOPS offering specialised support to those who excel."
The Indian team's attire for their upcoming trip to Paris was revealed, which included three distinct sets of clothing. The first was their formal wear for ceremonial events, followed by their athletic uniforms for competition. Lastly, their performance footwear and travel essentials were also presented.
"This event is not just about the unveiling of uniform and ceremonial dress but a symbol of the dreams and aspirations of billions of Indians who stand united behind the athletes," he said.
"The government has worked relentlessly to support athletes across disciplines to keep their world ranking high, to send them to train in different locations in India and abroad, to engage renowned foreign experts as coaches and support staff and to ensure the sports ecosystem keeps pace with the evolution around the world,” he added.
IOA President PT Usha has assured that Indian athletes competing in the upcoming Paris Olympics will receive top-notch support and resources to help them perform at their best. She emphasized the importance of providing a conducive environment for the athletes to excel on the international stage.
"We have assembled a strong team under Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala's leadership. It includes sports medicine experts, wellness specialists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and a sleep scientist."
"For the first time, IOA will also give a participation allowance to the athletes and the coaching and support staff. I am confident India will come back from Paris with its best showing in any Olympics," said Usha.
The Indian delegation, consisting of nearly 120 athletes, is set to compete in the upcoming Games. Among the participants is Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medallist in javelin throw, who will be looking to continue his winning streak. The contingent also boasts a record-breaking number of 21 shooters, aiming to showcase their skills and precision on the global stage.
In addition to the individual athletes, the men's hockey team, comprising 16 members, will also be representing India at the event. The team will be striving to make their mark and bring home medals for the country. With such a diverse and talented group of athletes, the Indian contingent is poised to deliver strong performances across various disciplines and make the nation proud.