Aimed at boosting India’s performance in future Olympic Games, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that a Task Force would be set up to prepare a comprehensive action plan for “effective participation” of Indian sports-persons in the next three Olympic Games, 2020, 2024 and 2028.

The PMO has asked the Sports Ministry to submit a detailed report on India’s disappointing performance at the Rio Games. The Task Force will be set up in the next few days and will prepare an overall strategy for the sports facilities, training, selection procedure and other related matters.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) constituted a four-member committee with Abhinav Bindra as its chairman to examine in a “cold and ruthless manner” the reasons behind India’s debacle.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has also decided to take stock of their flop show.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has suggested that it will focus on young wrestlers for the Tokyo Olympics.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) Director General Injetti Srinivas underlined the need for a “long-term” view, which is what the Task Force will aim to do. “There is no hiding the Rio disappointment, but the fact is we are totally relying on handful of athletes for medals,” said Srinivas. “That’s not going to help you. You need to have proper bench strength.”

PM, Modi, during a speech in Ferguson College in Pune had said, “During Olympics, people often say despite its huge size, we don’t get medals. Have we linked sports with our education system? Did we give enough opportunity to our youth...? Believe me if you give our defence forces this responsibility and match the potential of the new recruits in the interested sports and then train them properly, we will earn 5-7 medals even without much efforts. It requires vision!”

By Premji