Indian athletes travelling to Rio de Janeiro for next month’s Olympics will get Indian food in the Games village.
The Sports Ministry on Wednesday said that some athletes had requested for Indian food in the Games village.
“We have got confirmation from Rio Olympics organisers that our athletes will be served Indian food throughout the Games. It will be part of the official Games’ menu,” Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav said.
“We had got a request from some of the athletes for their preference for Indian food. Getting the right food is essential if the athletes have to give their best in Rio,” he said.
The Indian Olympic Association too had requested the Olympics Organising Committee to include Indian cuisine in the menu at the Games Village.
Yadav also confirmed that the athletes will get their daily allowance from the moment they land in Rio.
“We have doubled the daily allowance too, from $50 to $100. Some of the athletes had mentioned to us that the earlier amount was not enough.”
India is sending its largest ever contingent to an Olympics. Hundred plus athletes will represent the country in Rio Games beginning August 3.
Asked on the ministry’s medal projection, Yadav said: “It is difficult to predict but we are hopefully of getting into the double digits”.
India won an unprecedented six medals at the 2012 london Olympics.
Goel vows to work 24/7
He does not have a roadmap ready with him just yet but newly-appointed Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Wednesday asserted that he will work round the clock with an aim to take sports to every nook and corner of the country.
Goel, who was also Sports Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA government, also promised to do something new in the department with a fresh vision.
“It is a matter of pride that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chosen me for this responsibility. I am confident we would be able to do something new. I am also happy to take charge with the Rio Olympics round the corner. It is our biggest ever contingent with 105 athletes. Hopefully they will do well,” said Goel after taking over charge from predecessor Jitendra Singh.
Asked about his plans and vision for the Ministry, Goel said he would first want to take stock of the department.
“I have just taken charge. It is difficult to list out my vision and priorities. Give me some time and I will speak about it. All I can I say is that I will work 24x7 for sports, because sports is very close to my heart. I still play tennis and understand the issues faced in Indian sports and athletes. I also understand by limitations.
“I also want to appeal to youth that they should play sports regularly. With education, sports is equally important. I myself self have been a sportsperson and have played kho kho and basketball. With my past experience in Atal ji’s government, I hope I can contribute to doing something new in the department,” said Goel.
It was during his tenure that Delhi won the bid to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Goel said he would want to see India host another big multi-sporting event.
“Definitely when big competitions like these take place, it serves as encouragement for the youngsters. Infrastructure is also built, now with what we have now (CWG infrastructure) will try to use it as much as we can,” said the 62-year-old Delhi resident.