At the 44th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly held in New Delhi on Sunday, India's commitment to advancing sports on the global stage was prominently showcased.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the nation’s remarkable progress, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the surge in sports funding.
Mandaviya noted that the sports budget has tripled, increasing from $143 million in 2014-2015 to $470 million today.
This substantial rise in financial support has played a key role in India's record-breaking performances at the Asian Games, where the country won 117 medals, and the Asian Para Games, with 111 medals. The Sports Minister emphasized the government's strategic focus on nurturing grassroots talent, improving training facilities, and offering enhanced coaching to athletes across the nation.
“This increased investment is transforming Indian sports, leading to significant achievements at major international events,” said Mandaviya, underscoring the positive impact of the government's initiatives.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha also addressed the assembly, expressing pride in India's role as the host and reaffirming the country's dedication to the Olympic movement. "It is an honour to convene the 44th OCA General Assembly in New Delhi. India deeply respects the Olympic values and the spirit of sportsmanship they inspire," Usha stated.