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Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur felicitated the returning athletes from the Asian Games 2022 Shooting, Sailing, Wushu and Tennis contingent at an event in New Delhi today.
Speaking at the event, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances at the Asian Games. Anurag Thakur said that their achievements have made the country proud. “He assured the athletes that the government is committed to providing them with all the support they need to excel in their chosen sport.” He said, ‘I extend my best wishes to all the players, and I am sure that when the finals of the Asian Games are conducted, players from India will be there with more medals.'” Soon, we will have the Paris Olympics, and all eyes are on it. PM Modi has always encouraged the players to give their 100 per cent in all the games,’ he said.”
He also spoke about the importance of federations and the government’s schemes such as TOPS and Khelo India in supporting athletes. He said, “Federations have a big role to play. They started TOPS in 2014 with a vision to facilitate athletes and ensure they stay focused on sports. Khelo India scheme also provided the same support. I congratulate the shooting federation (NRAI) for bagging the biggest medals in Asian Games ever. In 2002, we had two medals in shooting, while we got 22 medals this time.
“We spent a total of Rs 38 crore in Shooting in the Paris cycle. Ahead of the Asiad, they established a camp for Wushu with a budget of Rs 1.8 crore. Now with 7 days to go for the games, I still assure we will make the highest medal tally ever,” added the Minister.
Athletes also expressed their gratitude to the government and their support teams for helping them achieve success at the Hangzhou games.
Roshibina, the Wushu silver medalist, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are indebted to the Coaches, SAI, federation for making us reach this position.” Moreover, she highlighted that SAI NCOE Imphal has consistently offered excellent training and taken good care of her. Roshibina, looking ahead, is determined to strive for the gold in the next competition.
Sift Kaur, 50m 3p individual gold medalist, said, “This was my 1st Asian Games and I didn’t know this my score would turn out to be a world record. The Khelo India scheme has been the most beneficial for me.”
Tokyo Olympian sailor Vishnu Saravanan, who bagged a bronze at the Asiad, said, “It has been a great Asian Games for all of us. I am thankful to the coaches, officials and especially our family, who have always supported us. Myself and other sailors are trying to put sailing on the map of India. I thank SAI ARN Pune as well for all the support. Let’s all focus on the main goal now to make it to Paris.”
Senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, along with the Sports Authority of India, as well as the families and friends of the athletes, also attended the event on Monday.
Source:PIB
