"If it (the decision) is not reviewed, we will see but the call for boycott at this point of time is too early."Without the governments sanction, there cannot be any bilateral series between India and Pakistan. The move triggered angry reactions from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the national shooting federation (NRAI). But when it comes to international multi-sport events, the government has no say on that," Rijiju said."The basic philosophy of this movement is that every Indian should be fit," he said. My long-term preparation is for 2024 Paris and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics," the minister added.."The officials of IOA met me and apprised me about the ongoing issues in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where shooting has been dropped.we are expecting better results than previous Olympics.""In 10 months, we cannot produce new talents.New Delhi: Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has played down the calls to boycott the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games over shootings exclusion, saying it is too early to take a decision of such magnitude."I have just assumed sports ministry (charge) three months back and we are about 10 months away from 2020 Tokyo Olympics, so now we will have to go with the existing talent.."We are not averse to hosting any international event.."I told them to speak to the Commonwealth Games Federation officials and the organising committee of the Birmingham Games and apprise them about our deep concerns.Rijiju also said that the government is open to the idea of hosting multi-sport events despite the bad press India got for alleged corruption in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.Asked about the contentious issue of bilateral sporting ties between India and Pakistan, Rijiju said that is completely dependent on the governments position."If India has to become a powerful, prosperous nation, a resurgent India will be possible only if the Indians are fit. But it is difficult to predict number of medals because of the high standard of competition in Olympics. Certainly, boycott is not the solution but I will not give an opinion till I get the final outcome from the meeting between IOA and CGF officials, he added.Shooting has been axed from the 2022 edition by Birmingham Organising Committee, citing logistical issues.The decision was a shock for India as the countrys shooters claimed 16 medals, including seven gold at last years Gold Coast Games. The country had finished third in the medals table with a tally of 66.
We have identified existing talents and we have extended all technical resources and other support whatever is required," he said. The possibility of Indias boycott was also raised before me," Rijiju told PTI in an interview. Definitely, its a matter of pride for any country to host the Olympics or Asian Games. It must be done at an appropriate time," Rijiju asserted.Rijiju, however, said the 2024 and 2028 editions are his long-term goals. We would be encouraging more international events because our dream is to host the Olympics someday," he said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Fit India Movement, a nation-wide fitness programme to motivate citizens to take up at least one fitness activity on August 29 and Rijiju said fitness is key to the overall development of a country. It will be a big movement in which all sections of the society will be associated," he added.On to the more immediate concerns, like the 2020 Olympic Games, the minister was Aluminum extrusions profile suppliers hopeful that the athletes are going to bring back a lot more than just the one silver and a bronze attained in the 2016 Rio Games. But in its Executive Board meeting in June, the CGF recommended the inclusion of three new sports while dropping shooting.Shooting has featured in every Commonwealth Games since 1966 with the exception of Edinburgh 1970.The IOA went to the extent of suggesting a boycott to protest the sports dropping."But before that we should be ready, we should be able to make the whole world understand that India is capable of hosting."