Former Sports Minister and Member of Parliament, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, expressed confidence that the Khelo India initiative will not only produce Olympic gold medalists but also nurture international-standard athletes at the school level over the next decade.
He stated that India has the potential to win 100 gold medals by the 2032 Olympic Games.
Mr. Rathore made these remarks while participating in a discussion on the Demands for Grants for 2019–20 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in the Lok Sabha.
Addressing the issue of sports funding, he highlighted that the National Sports Development Fund has played a crucial role in encouraging corporate participation, enabling customized training support for elite athletes.
He further suggested that corporate leaders should be included as members of sports boards to strengthen funding and governance frameworks.
Referring to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Mr. Rathore noted that professionals with deep domain expertise and passion for specific sports are being selected to support athletes. He added that Indian sportspersons today have improved access to world-class training facilities.
He emphasized that the government’s initiatives have elevated the global standing of Indian athletes, reflecting the image of a “New India” on the world stage.
