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What's the story?
With the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018 just days away, the Indian contingent received a massive boost. Heading the Union Sports Ministry delegation bound for the island country will be none other than the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics silver medalist and Union Sports Minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
In case you didn't know...
Initially, it was thought that the Ministry's delegation could be limited to a four-member squad. However, the Ministry submitted a list of 8 officials to tour Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games 2018 and that has now been approved by the Prime Minister's office.
The heart of the matter
The PMO issued a letter addressed to the Sports Secretary, Rahul Bhatnagar, confirming the 8-member team to be headed by ex-Olympian Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. These reputed officials are to leave for the Australian continent in batches, according to the letter signed by the deputy secretary, Vijay Kumar Mantri.
In the first batch, Bhatnagar will set sail and tour from April 2-7. Accompanying the Union Sports Minister, Mr. Rathore, on his extensive stay from April 8-15 will be Dhiraj Singh(OSD). Inder Damija (Joint Secretary, Sports) and SPS Tomar (deputy secretary, sports) will be present from the 4th to the 9th. Sports Authority of India (SAI) representatives DG Neelam Kapoor and Pankaj Rag (Joint Secretary, Development) will grace the CWG with their presence from April 10-15.
What's next?
Scheduled to begin on the 4th of April, the Commonwealth Games is undoubtedly the major attraction of the Commonwealth nations this month. The Indian contingent looks exceptionally strong and motivated this year. With the young and talented P.V Sindhu donning the role of the flag bearer for the team, things look promising.
With an ex-Olympian in the form of the dynamic Mr. Rathore present to take care of all their needs, the Indian athletes are all set to create history in Gold Coast.
Author's take
It must surely mean a lot to have someone in the Union Ministry who has previously experienced all the problems and emotions the current athletes are facing. Being an ex-Olympian and silver medalist, the shooter knows what decisions to take to improve the state of sports in the country. With him heading to CWG to support the Indian contingent, it will be a great step in motivating all the athletes.
