Sports ministry reviews India’s Asian Games performance, demands results and future-proofing

The one-day conclave to review India’s performance at the recent Asian Games and seek accountability was held here on Thursday.

While the ministry sources insisted that there were no fireworks, the national sports federations were made clear that there was no excuse for below-par performances, and that the NSFs need to deliver results.

The day-long review meeting saw NSFs making presentations, analysing their respective performances and providing insights into future planning. The meet was also chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and attended by Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha, sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) CEO N.S. Johal.

Calling on NSFs to take more responsibility for India’s sporting show, Mandaviya reiterated the need to work with further synergy and stressed on the fact that India needs to stop relying on a handful of proven champions.

“How long will Mirabai Chanu alone keep winning medals for us? We need to produce 10 more Mirabai Chanus. Every federation must take this responsibility seriously. We have to identify talent, provide the right training and create an environment in which athletes can progress to the highest level,” he said.

The review not only addressed the issue of injured athletes travelling to Aichi-Nagoya — raised by Usha — but also tried to assess preparations for major upcoming events, including the 2028 Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2030. Shooting, athletics, boxing, archery and squash were represented, among others.

The Sports Minister also emphasised the need for more tertiary sports experts including psychologists and mental trainers and urged NSFs to conduct more competitions and assess gaps in performance and administration.

“The minister was very clear that there is no dearth of resources and that NSFs can no longer complain about financial support. They have to deliver on the ground, not just make presentations,” a ministry official said.