Target To See India Among Top 10 Medal Winners In 2028 Olympics: Kiren Rijiju

Bhubaneswar: Revealing his target to see India finish among the top 10 medal winners in 2028 Olympics, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju today said that all the players participating in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics are best prepared.

Rijiju, who was in Bhubaneswar today for the launch of Khelo India University Games 2020's schedule, logo, mascot and jersey, said,” India is the world’s youngest nation with the highest number of youths. We must not be satisfied with a few medals in the Olympics.”

Rijiju further stated that we have set a target with Indian Olympic Association and other stakeholders and federations so that by 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, India must reach the top 10.

“We have already started preparations and Khelo India University Games Edition is the first step towards our target. Universities, school are the platforms from where we are going to get world champions in the future,” the Union Minister said.

Rijiju said this is for the first time that a full-fledged university games is being organised at several venues including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

“Odisha is known for producing world champions especially in sports like Hockey. The State’s contribution in the field of hockey is the highest in the country and we are proud that the State is producing world champions. We have come up with some policy in which one State will take the lead in one particular sport from next year. The government of India will provide necessary financial assistance,” Rijiju added.

"We cannot be satisfied with a couple of medals in Olympics. We have set a target to see India finish in top-10 in 2028 Olympics," says Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju in #Bhubaneswar #Odisha #KheloIndia #KIUG2020 pic.twitter.com/vExcJ4Bp9D

— OTV (@otvnews) January 6, 2020

The official logo, mascot and schedule of the first Khelo India University Games were launched in presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers- Dharmendra Pradhan and Ramesh Pokhriyal in Bhubaneswar today.

“Today, Odisha is recognised in the field of sports not just for hosting key events but also for producing sportspersons who are excelling in different national and international events,” said Patnaik.

Patnaik said nearly 4,000 athletes from 100 universities across India are taking part in 17 different disciplines starting from February 22 and the participating universities will enjoy warmth and hospitality and experience the rich culture of Odisha.