As MOC members, international athletes can propose focused changes to improve results. Sports Minister

New Delhi : Monday, December 13, 2013 : .

Anurag Thakur, Union Sports Minister held an Olympic Podium Scheme meeting (TOPS) with newly inducted Mission Olympic Cell members at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The MOC is responsible for creating a positive atmosphere in Indias ecosystem and strengthening its institutional structure so the country can do well in Paris 2024, he saidThakur addressed the MOC, which now includes seven ex-internationals, and said that it was fair to look at what the Target Olympic Podium Scheme had achieved.He also asked if India has gained international recognition, and if the scheme has assisted National Sports Federations in improving their athletes performance.

He demanded a fair assessment of performance and a greater focus on big-ticket events such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.The members have the ability to make suggestions for improvements to the system that could help India achieve better results at the Olympics Games in Paris.

He thanked the MOC members and said that he believed they could help prepare the Ministrys roadmap for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.However, the Ministry should also keep in mind next years Commonwealth Games as well as the Asian Games.

Thakur stated that the government isnt afraid to spend money on sport and will not hesitate in increasing the budget.With seven new inductees, the number of former internationals in the MOC has gone up to eight.

And, with the current Athletics Federation of India President Adille J.Sumariwalla being an Olympian and with the CEO of Target Olympic Podium Cdre.Pushpendra Garg being a world champion sailor, more than half the MOC has worn India colours.The new inductees are World Athletics Championships Long Jump medallist Anju Bobby George, former India hockey captain Sardara Singh, rifle shooting legend Anjali Bhagwat, former India football captain Baichung Bhutia, former hockey captain and CEO Olympic Gold Quest Viren Rasquinha, table tennis star Monalisa Mehta and badminton ace Trupti Murgunde.inj/bsk #international #athletes #propose #Delhi #Anurag Thakur # Anjali #Dara Singh #Anjali #Monalisa #Lal # Anju #Ali # Lal #Delhi #New Delhi #Paris.