Apart from targeting sporting success during the 2016 Rio Olympics, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to promote the ‘Make in India initiative,’ during the month long extravaganza.
The Indian Embassy in Rio will host several cultural exhibitions to highlight the country’s progress in self sustenance. A kabaddi match, involving India’s best players will also be showcased, in an attempt to push the sport towards Olympic legitimacy.
Around 10 secretaries met last week to discuss plans of implementing the Cultural event, which will also give other countries a taste of India’s cuisine, art and Culture. A hospitality house will be setup a week prior to the August 5 opening ceremony.
A source close to the Sports Ministry said, “The Rio embassy had contacted us to talk about how we could capitalise on the Olympics, from a non sporting angle as well. The idea was liked by several others in the hierarchy, who met last week to chalk out a plan. Members from the Make in India initiative, our ministry, Tourism and External Affairs put forward their recommendations for execution.”
Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav told Indian Express, ““Our embassy in Brazil came up with this proposal. The Hospitality House will be used to project Indian culture, cuisine, tourism, etc in Rio. The committee discussed it recently and have requested MEA to coordinate it further so that the sports ministry can focus on the main contingent.”
The External Affairs Ministry will be specifically looking into the matter, whereas the Sports Ministry will be focussing on the Indian contingent.
Keeping in mind the specific diet of athletes, the Sports Ministry is also planning on renting an apartment near the Games village. This will act as a store room for the specific diets required by the athletes.
A senior IOA official said, “We are planning on reaching Rio two weeks in advance to prepare for this. The Indian embassy will begin their work from now itself, in terms of executing our discussions. We are also talking to the Kabaddi players, about their availability, during that time.”
The rented room will specifically focus on wrestling, which has a core diet of sub-continental ingredients. He added, “The room will act as a one stop shop for all the Indian requirements the athlete needs.”
The official also seemed confident about Kabaddi’s Olympic inclusion in the next decade. He said, “Well, the sport is now slowly becoming global, and it has all the requirements for it to be popular. We are very confident that the sport will be accepted, like the way it’s been accepted in the Asian Games.”
PM Modi is yet to officially announce the latest sporting development.
