New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- Delhi Chief Minister Mrs Rekha Gupta has said that her vision is for athletes from the capital to return with medals from national and international Olympic events, carrying the Indian tricolour to new heights across the world. To realise this goal, the Delhi Government has substantially increased prize money for winning athletes and is taking decisive steps to provide them with world-class sporting facilities.
Speaking at an interaction session held today at Thyagaraj Stadium with emerging talents and renowned sports icons, the Chief Minister shared her government's sports vision and outlined new policies. The event was also attended by Cabinet Minister Mr Ashish Sood, MLA Mr Rajkumar Bhatia, and other dignitaries.
Welcoming Delhi's young talents, the Chief Minister said that the city's and the nation's future rests in the hands of these youth who will bring honour to India in the years to come. She made special mention of international champions such as Ravi Dahiya, Sharad Kumar, Tejaswin Shankar, Narayan Thakur, Narendra Grewal and Pritam Rani, commending their achievements. "The triumph of an athlete on the global stage is not just an individual honour. It belongs to 1.4 billion Indians," she remarked.
Acknowledging the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Mrs Rekha Gupta said that sports had, for the first time, received the recognition and constitutional backing long required. She highlighted the recently enacted National Sports Governance Act 2025, which she described as the "Constitution of Sports", noting that it would ensure improved facilities, professional coaching, balanced nutrition and essential resources for athletes.
The Chief Minister also contrasted her government's approach with that of the previous administration, which, she said, had neglected sports and failed to enhance rewards or infrastructure. "Our government has not only raised prize money and expanded facilities but has also ensured that athletes receive the respect and opportunities they deserve. Delhi's athletes are now excelling on both national and international platforms," said the Chief Minister. She added that outstanding performers at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and National Games will receive multi-crore prizes along with honourable government employment.
Delhi's Minister for Urban Development and Education, Mr Ashish Sood, assured athletes that their concerns would always be addressed with priority. "The government will provide every facility and support needed. Athletes have one responsibility to win medals and make Delhi proud. Both the Chief Minister's Office and my office stand fully committed to resolving your issues without delay," he said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.