New Delhi, July 19 (Tezzbuzz). Arjuna Award winner and Olympian boxer Akhil Kumar, Asian Games gold medalists Ronjan Sodhi and Abhishek Verma, Olympic bronze medalist and star former hockey player Ashok Dhyanchand and Tokyo Paralympic medalists Yogesh Kathunia and Devendra Jhajharia joined an interactive session organised by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA) in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium here to discuss India's preparations for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya graced the discussion with his presence, along with Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary, Sports, Sandip Pradhan, Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Commodore PK Garg, CEO, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) were also present on the occasion.
Speaking about the event, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, “The new age India has seen a lot of progress but this is just the beginning. By 2047, when we complete 100 years of independence, we aspire to be the leader in sports in the world. That is why such platforms for discussion are important. The journalists who cover these games are also responsible for capturing the emotions that an athlete goes through when he wins a medal or represents the country at this level. I wish all our athletes the best of luck for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics and I am sure they will make our country proud.'
Devendra Jhajharia, President-Elect of the Paralympic Committee of India said, “In 2004, when I went to the Athens Paralympics, I had my own money. I went and won gold and also broke the world record. Indian sports have progressed a lot since then. After missing the 2008 and 2012 editions of the Paralympics, I returned for the 2016 Olympics and won gold. Now, as the President of the Paralympic Committee of India, I am 100% sure that we will do very well in both the Olympics and the Paralympics. Our target is to cross the 25-medal tally this time,”
Meanwhile, Abhishek Tripathi, President, Delhi Sports Journalists Association said, “I am very happy to be in the presence of such eminent dignitaries as we celebrate and discuss the preparations that our athletes will make ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024. The partnership of Delhi Sports Journalists Association and Sports Authority of India is special. I would also like to thank the Sports Minister for joining us at such a short notice. The gold medal won by Neeraj Chopra is a step in the right direction, and now, we have to continue that momentum and improve our performance at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
On the day of the panel discussion, the Sports Authority of India also launched the book 'Pathway to Paris' at the event, highlighting the road to Olympics 2024 for the Indian contingent.
Let us tell you that 117 athletes from India will go to Paris, where the Olympic Games are to be held from 26 July to 11 August. Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September
Will be.
Tezzbuzz News / Sunil Dubey
