India, April 25 -- Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched two key initiatives, and did not mince words while telling some errant National Sports Federations (NSF) to shun "factionalism" and adopt an "athlete-centric" approach.

Mandaviya said India is keen on hosting the 2036 Olympics and has also shown interest in bringing 2030 Commonwealth Games, and therefore it is important that government, federations and athletes work with co-ordination and consultation with one goal in mind.

"There is no reason why we cannot produce athletes and continue to remain behind at the Olympics. My analysis is we lack in putting timely joint effort. We get to know of areas where we lack but we don't take action.

"When there is conflict du...