Not a holiday: Government tells administrators to be there for athletes at multi-sport events

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao addressed a Sports Governance Conclave in India, emphasizing the need for dedicated support staff at multi-sport events like the Asian Games. They stressed that officials should prioritize athlete welfare and avoid treating these events as "outings with family." The government has set ambitious medal targets for both the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, aiming to significantly improve India's performance in future Olympics. Rao outlined a 10-year medal strategy, including plans for Olympic Training Centers, AI-driven talent identification, and coaching reforms. He urged NSF representatives to focus on long-term vision and secure financial backing from state governments.