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Mansukh Mandaviya, the former Union Health Minister who played a pivotal role in India's COVID-19 response, has been appointed as the new Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Mandaviya, who represents the Porbandar Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat, replaces Anurag Thakur, who held the post for nearly three years.Mandaviya's appointment comes at a time when India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympic Games. During Thakur's tenure, India achieved its best-ever performance at the Olympics, winning a record seven medals in the Tokyo Games. Thakur also oversaw the revision of criteria for government jobs for medal winners in Khelo India competitions.Mandaviya, who was entrusted with the health portfolio during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is credited with ramping up the supply of oxygen and medicines and overseeing the vaccination program. He is expected to bring his experience in crisis management and public health to the sports ministry.Raksha Khadse, a three-time BJP MP from Maharashtra, has been appointed as the Minister of State (Sports) under Mandaviya. Khadse, who represents the Raver Lok Sabha constituency, is the daughter-in-law of Eknath Khadse, a former NCP leader who recently returned to the BJP.The appointment of Mandaviya and Khadse is seen as a move to strengthen the BJP's presence in Gujarat and Maharashtra, two key states in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaching, India's preparations are in full swing. The country's seven medals at Tokyo and success at the Hangzhou Asian Games have raised expectations, but the Olympics present a formidable challenge.Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur expressed confidence in India's athletes, stating that they will return with the country's best Olympic haul. The government has supported athletes' qualification and preparation, sanctioning over 350 foreign exposure trips.As of now, 58 Indian athletes have qualified for Paris 2024, including both the men's and women's Table Tennis teams, as well as quotas in women's Skeet Shooting and Equestrian (Dressage).The government has graded National Sports Federations (NSFs) based on performance and expectations, but fund cuts are not considered a measure for non-performance. Instead, the focus is on providing support to athletes through federations.India has expressed its intention to bid for the 2036 Olympics and 2030 Youth Olympics. The government is working closely with the Indian Olympic Association and the IOC Future Hosts Commission to make a strong recommendation in favor of the Indian bid.To achieve success in terms of medals, India is encouraging sports like cycling and swimming, which offer multiple medal opportunities. The government has increased its sports budget three times in the past decade, and corporate and private investments through CSR funds have also contributed to the development of Indian sport.The Khelo India Games play a crucial role in talent identification, and the upcoming KIRTI Platform aims to tap into untapped sporting talent across India.Women's sport is a particular area of focus, with the government enhancing its support in recent years. Women athletes have won five medals in the last two Olympic Games and have made significant contributions to India's medal tally at the Asian Games.