New Sports Minister Meets IOA, Expects 100+ Athletes for Paris Olympics

New Sports Minister Takes Stock of India's Olympic Preparations

Barely a day after assuming office, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha to assess India's preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was attended by Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, and Sports Authority of India Director General Sandip Pradhan.

During the meeting, Mandaviya was briefed on the country's progress in qualifying for the Paris Games. IOA President Usha expressed confidence that India would send a contingent of over 100 athletes to the Olympics. "We have done everything good this time," Usha said. "We will be in contact every week and I hope that this is good for our Olympic athletes."

Usha highlighted the efforts made to prioritize the needs of athletes in the lead-up to the Games. "Our first preference were the athletes, whatever the players want we have done this time," she said. "So we are expecting more medals this than Tokyo."

As of now, 97 Indian athletes have qualified for the Paris Olympics, and the IOA expects the number to reach 115-120. The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Mandaviya expressed the government's commitment to supporting the athletes and ensuring their success in Paris. "I today visited the IOA officials for the first time where they briefed me about India's preparation for Paris Olympics," Mandaviya said. "The government is committed to extend all possible support."

The meeting between Mandaviya and the IOA officials is a positive sign for India's Olympic preparations. The government's support and the IOA's commitment to athlete welfare will be crucial in ensuring India's success at the Paris Games.

Tags: #ParisOlympics2024, #IndianOlympicAssociation, #PTUsha, #MansukhMandaviya, #RakshaKhadse