"We Are Trying To Work With States...": Sports Minister Raksha Khadse On India's Bid To Host 2036 Olympics

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse said that the central government is trying to raise the level of sports infrastructure and facilities in states ahead of the 2036 Olympics, for which India has placed bids to get hosting rights. Khadse spoke to ANI during a press conference in the national capital on Friday. Speaking about preparations for the 2036 Olympics and how the states are contributing to help India achieve this massive dream, Khadse told ANI, "State has a big role in sports. Sports is a state subject. We are trying to work with state governments on developing and improving sports facilities and infrastructure. We are trying to get the Olympics hosted in 2036. We are trying to bring that Olympic standard of infrastructure in all states, so that it gives an advantage to centre and state governments."

Speaking about bidding to host the Youth Olympics 2032, Khadse said that the event will help India represent the power of its youth.

"Because of our achievements, the whole world looks at us and our youth," she added.

Speaking about the ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women through Action) scheme, Khadse said that it has been designed for women to give them a platform to do well in the field of sports.

"It is for women. We do not play sports just to achieve medals, but also to achieve fitness. Nowadays, it is an era of technology and everyone is connected with their help of their mobiles. Through the medium of sport, how can we bring awareness on fitness, give women a platform to do well in field of sports is important. Women in rural areas are doing fine in sports. Earlier, there were women like PT Usha who did well in sports. Now, the government is running a scheme to