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BICHOLIM: Stating that sports is a state subject, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore informed that states can make their own law and there is no need to wait for a special sports code.
Rathore said that sports code is existing since 2011 and now they are only updating it and hence there is no need of approval from the parliament. “Sports is a state subject and states can make a law. It’s like asking for a room when whole of dormitory is available to you” the minister said when asked about the sports code.
The minister was speaking on his visit to Sesa Football Academy at Sanquelim. He further stated that year 2020 is very close and the ‘wheels’ are already turning for the Olympics. “We know how many medals we will win. I am targeting 2024 and 2028 Olympics. The way we are progressing now in the year 2028 India will be among the top nations in the Olympics,” Rathore expressed his confidence.
He appreciated Vedanta and other such corporate for putting money and passion into sports. “It is actually developing community. It is developing personality and therefore developing the nation,” Rathore told.
He told that there is bright future for Indian sports and said sports is becoming a career. “There are now sponsors and many corporate getting into sports. Mega boost has been made by government itself in terms of Khelo India and has set a target Olympic podium” Rathore added.
Rathore termed the year 2018 as the best year for sports. “In international competitions we have created history by winning the most number of medals ever. Government sees that every penny is utilized to its best and there is potential in the Indian youths. I have hope in Indian youth that they will dominate the world.
Earlier, sportsmen including Denzil Franco; Mark Baretto; Karishma Shrivaikar; Salvador Fernendes, Issac D’souza and Necolas Pereira were felicitated by the minister. Sanquelim MLA, Dr Pramod Sawant and Sesa Goa officials were also present for the function.
