Need to finish in top-10 by 2028 Olympics or else I'll be a failure as Sports Minister: Rijiju

Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said he would fail as a Sports Minister if India cannot finish inside the top 10 in the medals tally by 2028 Olympics.

Rijiju said with India set to become the third largest economy in a few year's time, the country cannot lag behind in sports and the prevailing mediocrity in management of National Sports Federations (NSF) is "unacceptable".

"Our country is set to become the third largest economy in the world by 2022 or 2024, we will be in top three in many fields in the next four-five years. There is no reason why we cannot do well in Olympics," Rijiju said while unveiling the logo of India House to be established in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics.

"2020 Olympics is too near but by 2024 or in 2028, India should be in top 10 in medals tally. It is our target. If India cannot do this, I will feel my becoming Sports Minister is of no use," he added.

The Sports Minister asked the IOA to ensure that the standard of governance in NSFs is high. He especially warned ...