Celebrating Rio fever with Olympic Carnival at CP

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Vijay Goel on Friday inaugurated the Olympics Carnival at Connaught Place’s Central Park and exhorted youth to visit it to extend their best wishes with the Indian team in Rio Olympics. 

“It’s for the first time in the history that we took up several initiatives to connect the youth with the Olympics. Several giant screens have been installed in the city for “social viewing” of the game,” said Vijay Goel. He also informed that on the request of his ministry, Indian team will be served with Indian cuisine during Rio Olympics. 

“Athletes have been sent to Rio almost 15 days in advance to make them feel comfortable unlike earlier Olympics where they used to go only 2 to 4 days before the Games,” he added.  Goel further informed that extra physiotherapists have also been sent to Rio besides mental trainers to guide them at every step. 

“Schemes like Target Olympic Podium were launched providing customised training with 34 foreign coaches and foreign exposures to athletes,” he added. He further informed that the ministry has made a provision of Rs 1 crore to provide furniture in case of urgent need. 

Former athletes Karnam Malleswari and Anju Bobby George besides cricketer Gautam Gambhir were also present.