"India doesn't support their sportsmen," says Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had announced that his government would establish the Delhi Sports University that will offer degrees to sportspersons, which will be on par with degrees at the graduate, postgraduate, diploma and doctoral level, was concerned about the lack of support that India gives its players.

Speaking in the Delhi Assembly after the bill to establish the sports university was passed in the national capital, Kejriwal emphasised on keeping politics away from sports and said that including professionals in all federations is the need of the hour. He added that lack of any clarity when it comes to sports and the players has meant that India has won only 28 medals at the Olympics in the last 70 years, while a country like China managed 70 in the last Rio Games alone.

"Where are we lacking? Our sportsperson are talented and hardworking. The issue is in our government system. We don't support our players, while other countries are giving full support to their players. In my lifetime, I am sure India will bag more medals than China."

He added that the Sports University Bill will only help the players. "This is not just a bill, but a dream of all those who wish to bring medals to the country."

"This university should be run by professionals and they should ensure the decision making is fast," Kejriwal said. He also sounded hopeful of the day when India will return with more Olympic medals than China. "When we will win more medals than China in Olympics, this date will be remembered in history."

The House passed the Bill unopposed.

In October, Kejriwal had expressed concern over the lack of jobs that were on offer for sportsmen, as often, they were unable to complete their degrees due to their focus on bringing laurels for the nation. With jobs under the sports quota being limited, players were often left with little or no security. The Bill was passed to allow them to get degrees, so they could even sit for public services exams.