New Delhi: Former sports minister and senior Congress leader Ajay Maken admitted that the sports ministry remains the most coveted post for him. "I was told that I was being elevated by being inducted into Cabinet but I have a passion for the Sports and the portfolio is dear to me," he said.
"We need a strong sports minister and he should be given full five years to function," he said over the need of a sports minister in the government.
Speaking about the shortcomings in the sports scenario in India, Maken said that the country needs better sports culture. People are still focusing only on studies and not on physical fitness. This thought needs to be changed," he said adding that there is no no dearth of funds or resources in sports.
"Government and sports federations have a very important role to play in encouraging a better sports culture," he said.
He also suggested that Physical Fitness Programme should be brought in to develop sports culture. "Such programmes should be started and extra grades and weightage should be given to develop a better sports scenario," he said.
Answering a question on the Olympics, Maken said, "Doubling medals with every Olympic game is what we are looking at."
Speaking about the upcoming elections where he is fighting from Delhi, he said that he is concentrating on his work in the constituency. "I do not think about my opponents. I'm going to my electorate with positive work that I have done in the past," he said.
Maken also added that sports people should be involved in the sports federations so that controversies can be put to an end. "Sports people should be at the helm of decision related to sports," he said.
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