Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has expressed strong confidence in India’s ability to deliver an impressive performance at the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris. Speaking at the Assam Olympics Association’s (AOA) celebration of Olympics Day in Nagaon on Sunday, Sonowal said, “The Summer Olympics is only a few weeks away and I am super excited about the wonderful prospect of India in the Games. I am confident that our athletes, who are training hard now, will deliver a strong and outstanding performance, making India proud.”
The 2024 Summer Olympics, also known as Paris 2024, is scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11 this year. Sonowal, who also serves as the president of the Assam Olympic Association, inaugurated a marathon organized to encourage public participation in the ‘Let’s Move’ campaign and to celebrate the Olympic spirit.
In his speech, Sonowal emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating, “Sports have united human society for ages, wielding immense power to enhance physical and mental well-being while fostering coordination and camaraderie. By embracing the profound significance of the Olympics and incorporating sports into our daily lives, we can all contribute to building a healthy, vibrant, and harmonious society.”
Sonowal also highlighted the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the introduction of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) during his tenure as Union Sports Minister, which has led to a steady increase in India’s medal tally at the Olympics.
He noted significant advancements in the sports sector in Assam and across the country over the past decade. “The state has successfully hosted various national and international tournaments, including the South Asian Games in Guwahati, the third Khelo India Youth Competition, FIFA U-17 World Cup matches, and the AIBA Youth Women’s World Boxing Championship. These events have positioned Assam as a key player in the country’s sports sector,” Sonowal said.
With the Paris Olympics approaching, Sonowal’s statements reflect optimism and anticipation for a successful performance by Indian athletes on the global stage.
