New Delhi: Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event saw the presence of prominent figures, including Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, J. P. Nadda, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Khadse, OCA President Shri Raja Randhir Singh, and Indian Olympic Association President P. T. Usha, along with sports leaders from 45 Asian countries.
In his keynote address, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted India’s strides in fostering a strong sports culture and promoting excellence through various government-led initiatives over the last decade. He credited programs like ‘Khelo India’, ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)’, and ‘Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action (ASMITA)’ for elevating India’s sporting standards on the global stage.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s sports budget has seen a significant increase, rising from USD 143 million in 2014-15 to USD 417 million today,” Dr. Mandaviya remarked. He further noted that this enhanced investment has translated into historic achievements, including India’s record-breaking performances at the Asian Games (107 medals) and Asian Para Games (111 medals).
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the ‘Khelo India’ initiative, which plays a pivotal role in nurturing grassroots talent and fostering a mass movement for sports excellence. With an annual budget of USD 119 million, the program provides scholarships to over 2,700 children each year, aiming to develop sustainable sports infrastructure across India. The initiative also conducts four Khelo India Games annually, supporting over 1,050 district-level sports centers that offer training, accommodation, and allowances for young athletes.
Speaking on the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Dr. Mandaviya highlighted its role in supporting elite athletes in their preparation for international competitions. Notably, out of 117 athletes representing India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, 28 were products of the Khelo India program. India’s Paralympic team, which included 18 Khelo India athletes, has already won 29 medals — the highest tally ever at the ongoing Paris Paralympics.
Dr. Mandaviya also spotlighted the ASMITA program, a transformational initiative designed to promote gender equality and boost women’s participation in sports across 18 disciplines. “These collaborative efforts are aligned with the Olympic ideals and aim to strengthen Asia’s sporting legacy,” he stated.
In his address, J. P. Nadda lauded Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to the development of sports in India. He underscored the significance of initiatives such as Khelo India and the establishment of the National Sports University, which have contributed to nurturing young talent and enhancing sports infrastructure nationwide. Shri Nadda also acknowledged the Olympic Council of Asia’s role in providing athletes with better facilities and supporting the growth of sports infrastructure in the region.
Dr. Mandaviya concluded his remarks by reiterating India’s dedication to promoting the values of the Olympic movement, empowering athletes, and fostering a progressive sports environment. He expressed India’s honor in hosting the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia and extended his best wishes to the delegates for their deliberations.