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India has set its sights on hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics, a stepping stone towards its ultimate goal of hosting the 2036 Olympics. The announcement was made by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).The 2030 Youth Olympics, the fifth edition of the event, will serve as a precursor to India's bid for the 2036 Olympics. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are going to bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics, but our focus remains on hosting the 2036 Olympics," Mandaviya stated.India's bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics is part of its broader strategy to establish itself as a global sporting hub. The country has successfully hosted several major international sporting events in recent years, including the Cricket World Cups and the FIFA U-17 World Cup."Under Modiji's leadership, we have been able to host multiple international sporting events," added BJP president JP Nadda, who was the chief guest at the OCA General Assembly.India will face competition from several other countries for the hosting rights of the 2030 Youth Olympics, including Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina.The Youth Olympics, first held in 2010, are a multi-sport event for young athletes aged 15 to 18. The event aims to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while also providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.India's bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics is a testament to its growing stature in the global sporting arena. The country has a rich sporting history and a passionate fan base, making it an ideal candidate to host major sporting events.

Randhir Singh, a seasoned sports administrator and former international shooter, is poised to become the first Indian president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The 77-year-old Singh, who has served as the acting chief of the continental sports body since 2021, emerged as the sole candidate for the top post in the upcoming September 8 elections.Singh's nomination was unanimously approved by the OCA Election Committee, chaired by Justice Rohinton Nariman, after reviewing the eligibility requirements and nominations submitted by member National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Singh was nominated by the Indian NOC and supported by 27 other OCA member NOCs.Singh's appointment as acting OCA chief came after Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stepped aside as president following a Geneva Court ruling that found him guilty in a forgery case. Singh had previously served as OCA Secretary General from 1991 to 2015 under Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.During his tenure as acting OCA chief, Singh oversaw the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games from 2022 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games were eventually held successfully, showcasing Singh's leadership qualities.Born in Patiala, Punjab, Singh is the son of Bhalindra Singh, a long-time IOC member and IOA president. He is also the grandson of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Singh's shooting career saw him win multiple national titles and become the first Indian shooter to win an Asian Games gold medal in 1978. He competed in five Olympic Games from 1968 to 1984 and won medals in four Asian Games.Singh's administrative experience includes serving as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012 and as vice chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. He was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014 and has been an honorary member since 2014.Singh's election as OCA president would mark a significant milestone for Indian sports and further strengthen the country's position in the global sporting arena.

Indian Olympic Association Pushes for Yoga Inclusion in Asian GamesThe Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has made a strong case for the inclusion of yoga in the Asian Games program. In a letter to Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Raja Randhir Singh, IOA President PT Usha highlighted the growing popularity of yoga worldwide and its significance for India as its spiritual home.Usha emphasized the overwhelming response to the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21, noting that people across nations have embraced yoga and experienced its benefits. She believes that India, as the birthplace of yoga, should lead the efforts to have it recognized as a sport in major international competitions."I am confident that as the spiritual home of yoga and as Vishwaguru, India can campaign for the inclusion of the sport in the Asian Games and eventually the Olympic Games as well," Usha stated.She pointed out that the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris will offer yoga sessions to visitors ahead of the Olympics next month, demonstrating the growing global interest in the practice. Usha also received encouragement from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who sees the inclusion of yoga in the Asian Games as a stepping stone towards its recognition in the Olympics."He told me that he sees the inclusion in the Asian Games would be the first step in taking the sport to the Olympics. We need our indigenous sport to be on such platforms," Usha said.The IOA's push for yoga's inclusion in the Asian Games aligns with the government's efforts to promote yoga as a global wellness practice. The Ministry of Ayush has been actively promoting yoga through various initiatives, including the International Day of Yoga and the establishment of yoga centers worldwide.If yoga is included in the Asian Games, it would not only raise its profile but also provide a platform for Indian yogis to showcase their skills and compete against the best in Asia. It would also contribute to the growing recognition of yoga as a legitimate sport and its potential to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.