After disappointment in Rio, PM Modi steps in to form Olympic task force

Narendra Modi made the announcement at the monthly meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Friday. He insisted that the task force will plan for the “effective participation” of Indians sportspersons at the upcoming Games, and that the structure of this task force will be in place within the next few days.

“The task force will prepare an overall strategy for facilities, training, selection procedures and other related matter.

“The government will look at in-house and outside experts for this task force,” officials said, quoting Mr. Modi, reported the Hindu.

After winning six medals at the London Olympics, expectations were high from the Indian contingent in Rio. But, most of the Indian medal contenders underperformed at the Games. Modi has insisted that the task force will make long-term plans, and the government will provide all essential infrastructure.

“Mr. Modi wants the task force in place with a very long-term plan for three Olympics, because he wants to break the myopia with regard to training for a premier sporting event like the Olympics. He is very clear that whatever is required in terms of sports infrastructure from the government is provided well in time. It is clear to him that champions are reared in generational terms,” an official told the Hindu.