‘India is developing a sport structure from grassroots to elite levels’

The Indian campaign at the Asian Games in Hangzhou has been a big success. The slogan “Abki bar 100 par” fired the imagination of the nation. How was this target conceived? Was there any concern that it might be a bridge too far?

The target of 100 medals at the Asian Games was conceived after a detailed analysis of India’s performance in previous editions of the Games, as well as the potential of our athletes in various sport. We knew that it was an ambitious target, but we also believed it was achievable. In the last few years, we have built a considerable bench strength which is evident from the fact that we bagged 16 first-time medals, and also double medals in some categories. We had sent our largest contingent and were confident that our athletes had the talent, determination and support system to achieve this goal.

What were the key building blocks over the past few years? What kind of interventions were needed?

In 2018, we had 70 medals. This time, we have 107. An increase of 52 per cent between the two editions and a 75 per cent increase in golds. In 2020 as well, we had the best-ever Olympics, Paralym­pics and Deaflympics. Of course, it is owing to the hard work of our athletes and the sport ecosystem—coaches and support staff—that this has been possible. But our athletes have always worked hard. So, what seems to have changed now? To answer this question, I would mention the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which he put in place in 2014, and his personal interest in sport. This led to a sea change. Today, India’s sport ecosystem has a pyramidal structure, from grassroots to elite athletes, where talent identification and nurturing is a continu­ous process. It was Modiji’s vision that led to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme in 2014. He wanted elite athletes to have all the facilities they needed to bring in the results.

The key building blocks have been identifying and nurtur­ing young talent. We launched a number of initiatives like the Khelo India Youth Games and the TOPS Development Scheme. These initiatives have helped us create a pipeline of talented athletes who can compete at the highest level. We have invested heavily in infrastructure and training programmes. This has helped our athletes train in the best possible facilities and with the best coaches. Under the TOP Scheme, we have provided ath­letes with all the support they need to succeed, including equip­ment, coaching, scientific training, diet and financial assistance.

India has got medals in disciplines where it has struggled in the past, such as marquee track events and equestrian sport. How did this come about?

India’s success in disciplines where it has not done well earlier is a testament to the hard work and dedication of athletes and coaches. We have invested heavily in training programmes and hired foreign coaches for top track events. In equestrian sport, a total of ₹5.87 crore was spent towards the playing kits and preparation of the team, along with the transportation of 12 horses to the Asian Games.

Athletes were provided specialised international exposure for groups (jumps, sprints, race­walk, middle and long distance and throws) in the US, Europe and Central Asia. More than 275 for­eign exposures were facilitated. Specialised support under TOPS has been provided to the athletes.

How does the government plan to assist in the expansion of the talent pool so that athletes from more remote areas are also recognised and given a chance?

The importance accorded to sport can be seen in the increase in the Union Sports Budget this year, which is almost three times com­pared to the financial year 2013-14. The budget for the Khelo India programme has increased to ₹1,000 crore, which is a 50 per cent increase compared to the revised estimate of ₹666 crore for the year 2022-23.

Khelo India was launched in 2016 and we revamped it in 2017 to identify and nurture young sporting talent. The scheme provides a total annual scholarship of ₹6.28 lakh to 3,000 talented athletes. Both TOPS and Khelo India have been extremely successful in helping Indian athletes achieve their full potential.

The Khelo India scheme is a game changer for Indian sport and this is the reason we have increased the financial assistance. From 2016-17 to 2022-23, ₹2,418 crore has been allocated, with a further provision of ₹3,165 crore for the next five years. The Khelo India Games have played a pivotal part with a total of 11 held since 2018—five Khelo India Youth Games, three Khelo India University Games and three Khelo India Winter Games.

India’s success in disciplines where it has not done well earlier is a testament to the dedication of athletes and coaches. We have invested heavily in training programmes and hired foreign coaches for top track events. In equestrian sport, a total of ₹5.87 crore was spent towards the preparation of the team, says Anurag Thakur

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These games helped us identify nearly 1,000 talented ath­letes. Also, with a total of 294 accredited academies, 1,000 Khelo India centres, 31 Khelo India state centres of excellence, we are ensuring every possible infrastructure is ready for our grass­roots athletes to make them future champions.

Ensuring round-the-year competitions, the Khelo India women’s leagues witnessed more than 240 competitions across 14 sport disciplines with the participation of more than 23,000 women athletes across various age groups. These leagues have been held in more than 50 cities located across 27 different states and Union territories. Taking forward the success of the women’s leagues, a nationwide event called Dus ka Dum was held in March commemorating the occasion of International Women’s Day, 2023. The event was held pan-India and saw a massive 1 lakh-plus participation by girls in 1,200-plus sporting events.

We are providing scholarships to athletes from remote areas to help them train and compete at the highest level.

What are the plans to develop domestic competitions in a manner that will make it easier to recognise talent? For example, in swimming, where despite encouraging talent, India has not yet made the mark.

The Centre is committed to devel­oping domestic competitions in a manner that will make it easier to recognise talent. We are doing this by providing financial support to national sport federations to orga­nise domestic competitions at all levels. We have set up a National Sports University to train coaches and administrators who can help develop domestic competitions. We are collaborating with the private sector to develop domestic competitions in various sport.

Lastly, what is your expectation for the Paris Olympics? The medal tally at Hangzhou has raised the country’s hopes.

The training for Paris started two years back and it is on track. We have a strong bench strength and have invested in infra­structure upgradation at the National Centre of Excellence in Patiala, Bengaluru and Lucknow to provide international-level facilities at home. The advanced Olympic training plan is being finalised by the Mission Olympic Committee in consultation with the national sport federations so that athletes have req­uisite foreign exposure and the coaches and experts they need for better training. We will leave no stone unturned to provide the best training to athletes and I am sure the momentum of this historic win will charge athletes further to prepare for Paris with renewed vigour.

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Rajeev Deshpande

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