lack of facilities and support

India at Olympics: PM Modi sets up task force

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that his government would set up a task force to create a strategy to help sportspersons prepare for the next three Olympics. The task force would cover infrastructure, training and selection.PM Modi made the announcement at a Cabinet meeting on Friday, and said the task force would be set up in the next few days.The PM announced that “a task force will be set up to prepare a comprehensive action plan for effective participation of Indian sportspersons in the next three Olympic Games – 2020, 2024 and 2028,” read a statement from government spokesperson.“The task force will prepare the overall strategy for sports facilities, training, selection procedure and related matters. The task force will comprise of members who are inhouse experts as well as those from outside,” the statement added.The announcement comes against the backdrop of India’s two medals at the recently concluded Olympics in Rio de Janeiro , which brought into focus thefor sportspersons in the country. The task force may also look into steps to make officials accountable, to address repeated charges of apathy and lack of interest.