India House to be set in Tokyo during Olympics to address

The government will set up an 'India House' during the Tokyo Olympics next year to take care of the needs of Indian athletes, Youth Affairs and Sports Ministers Kiren Rijiju said Wednesday expressing confidence the country will perform better than previous games. Speaking during the debate on Demands for Grants for his ministry in Lok Sabha, Rijiju said the government had also decided to do away with distinction between athletes based on seniority.

Rijiju said during his visit to a sports centre, he came across cases where there was a monetary slab for diet for junior and senior athletes. Rijiju also said the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghatan which has nearly 60 lakh volunteers will be trained for providing assistance during disasters.

"We will set up an India House in Tokyo that will take care of the food needs of the Indian athletes. Indian food will be made available to them. Preparations are on. "I am confident that the Indian athletes will perform better than previous games," he said.

Rijiju said in order to ensure better standards at sports facility maintained by the government, there will be inspection every six months and action will be taken against erring officials. The minister said he will talk to corporate leaders to ensure there is no shortage of funds for sportspersons.

He said it has been observed that some sportsmen face hardships in their life and for their well-being the government has decided to take care of them if they have made a mark at the Olympics or others championships at the national level. The minister said his ministry will also coordinate with the defence and central paramilitary forces, which has a "good sports culture" for the betterment of the sports.

Replying to the concerns that politicians dominate several sports bodies, he said it would be wrong to say that these organisations comprise only the politicians. There are several good sportsmen who have been working to bring in a positive change in the system, he said.

He said the Sports Day, which is observed on August 29 on the birthday of legendry hockey player Dhyan Chand, will be celebrated at a grand level this year..