Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya joins top Olympians in panel discussion on India's preparations for Paris Olympics

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024, Olympic bronze medallist and Hockey World Cup-winning team member Ashok Dhyanchand, Asian Games gold medallist and former World No. 1 double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi, Commonwealth Games gold winner boxer Akhil Kumar, Asian Games gold medallist archer Abhishek Verma, two-time Paralympics javelin throw champion Devendra Jhajharia and Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya engaged
in an interactive session to discuss India's preparation for the multisport event at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, organised by the Delhi Sports Journalist Association (DSJA) in collaboration with Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya graced the occasion with his presence, along with Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary, Sports, Sandip Pradhan, DG, Sports Authority of India (SAI), DSJA president Abhishek Tripathi, DSJA secretary Sabi Hussain and Commodore PK Garg, CEO, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). DSJA's Apex Committee members were also part of the gathering.
Speaking about the event, Dr Mandaviya said, “The new age India has seen a lot of progress but this is just the beginning. By 2047, when we complete 100 years of Independence, we aspire to be among the leaders in sports in the world and hence, it is important to have platforms such as this for an elaborate discussion. The journalists covering these sports are also responsible for capturing the emotions that an athlete goes through when they win a medal, or even represent the country at this stage. I wish our athletes all the best for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics and I am sure they will make our country proud.”
Jhajharia, also the president of the Paralympics Committee of India (PCI), on his part said, "In 2004, when I went to the Athens Paralympics, I spent money from my own pocket. I went and won the gold and also broke the world record. Since then, there has been a lot of progress in Indian sports. After missing out on the 2008 and 2012 editions of the Paralympics, I returned for the 2016 Rio Olympics and clinched the gold. Now, as the president of the PCI, I am 100 percent sure that we will do very well in both the Olympics and Paralympics. Our target is to cross the 25-medal tally this time around. Our slogan is "Abki baar, 25 paar",.
Meanwhile, DSJA president Abhishek said, “I am happy to be in the presence of such eminent dignitaries as we celebrate and discuss the preparations that our athletes will undergo ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024. The collaboration of the Delhi Sports Journalist Association and the Sports Authority of India is a special one and I would also like to thank the honourable Sport Minister for joining us at such short notice. The gold medal won by Neeraj Chopra is a step in the right direction, and now, we have to build on that momentum and improve our performance at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.”
DSJA secretary Sabi Hussain concurred and added, “Winning a medal brings out a lot of emotions, not only for the athletes, but also for the nation as a whole. The Indian athletes who will be travelling to Paris are ready to make our country proud, and as the journalists responsible for covering this event, we look forward to seeing them on the podium with the national flag flying in the background. We are confident that our athletes will log the best-ever medal tally in Paris."
On the occasion, Dr Mandaviya also launched a booklet titled 'Pathway to Paris', highlighting the road to Olympics 2024 for the Indian contingent. 117 athletes from India will be travelling to Paris, with the Olympic Games scheduled from July 26 to August 11. The Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8.