Mansukh Mandaviya inspects National Institute of Sports, meets Olympics-bound athletes

Mansukh Mandaviya, the newly appointed Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, paid a visit to the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

His visit was aimed at inspecting the progress of the newly built infrastructure project in Punjab. Mandaviya reviewed facilities at the institute where numerous Olympic-bound athletes, including weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, javelin thrower Annu Rani, and shot putter Abha Khatua are training ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Mansukh Mandaviya was seen sharing a meal with the athletes during the inspection drive. He also discussed their preparations for the Paris Olympics. The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports also encouraged the athletes, promising to support them to achieve their goals and make the country proud.

“My conversation with Mirabai, Annu Rani, and Abha convinces me that our athletes have received the best possible support in their preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Mandaviya said, according to a press release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Chandigarh.

The sports minister also carried out interactions with other athletes who are enrolled in the National Centre of Excellence, apart from conversing with some well-known coaches as well.

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Mansukh Mandaviya questions drop-out rates from competitive sports

Mansukh Mandaviya shared a meal with the athletes (Image via PIBChandigarh/X)

During his conversation with the athletes, Mansukh Mandaviya also asked them for suggestions on how to reduce the drop-out rates from competitive sports. Several athletes who have gotten the required support have dropped out with not being able to win medals as a possible reason.

“You are getting the needed support. However, many of those who started with you, but didn't win medals get left behind. What can we do for them?” he asked.

Post his inspection of the National Institute of Sports, Mandaviya also paid a visit to the fields of play, sports science facilities, and the new infrastructure project sites.

Delighted with the progress of the High-Performance Centre for Sports Science and the kitchen and dining, Mandaviya said:

“I am delighted to be at hallowed NIS, the traditional home of Indian sport. It continues to a critical hub to not only produce coaches of quality who can make a change at the grassroots level but has also a great training facility. Some of our athletes who have trained at other centres around the world believe NIS is comparable with the best."

He then left for Panchkula, where he was to unveil the Athletics Federation of India's new logo at the ongoing National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium.