Reception hosted by Consulate General of India, New York in honour of

H.E. Mr. Ajay Maken, Hon'ble Minister of State

for Sports and Youth Affairs (Independent Charge)

February 10, 2012

                The Consulate General of India, New York organized a reception on February 10, 2012 at New India House in honour of the visiting Hon'ble Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs (Independent Charge), Mr. Ajay Maken. Prominent members of the Indian-American community, which included professionals, community leaders, sports personalities, notably Mr. Vijay Amritraj and media personalities from the Tri-State area attended the function and also availed of the opportunity to interact with the Hon'ble Minister on various issues relating to development of sports and games in India.

                The Minister was welcomed to the dais by Consul General of India, Mr. Prabhu Dayal with a huge round of applause from the audience. Mr. Dayal, while  introducing the Hon'ble Minister, stated that he was one of the brightest stars of Indian politics, starting a career of public life from his university days. He was a member of the Delhi Assembly and has held responsible positions in the past. In the current assignment, he has already initiated many pioneering projects to improve sports facilities in India.

                Tennis ace of yesteryears, Mr. Vijay Amritraj, also referred to as the Sports Ambassador of India abroad, briefly spoke on the occasion appreciating the approachability of the Hon'ble Minister on matters relating to sports and games. He reminisced his first meeting with Mr. Maken after assumption of charge as the Sports Minister. His endeavour to improve sports infrastructure has been commendable, he said.

             The Hon'ble Minister stated that his Ministry is seized with action plans for improvement of sports infrastructure and availability of 'World Class Trainers' to ensure that the medal tally is doubled in the forthcoming Olympic Games. He further stated that 29 foreign trainees have been engaged and about 100 high quality training camps have already been arranged abroad for the purpose.

                The Ministry has also decided to set up sports infrastructure in two hundred and fifty thousand villages in India. In consultation with Ministry of Human Resource Development, it has also been ensured to have one good  play ground with a physical training instructor for each Elementary School in India. Introduction of sports curriculum has also been proposed. The Central Board of Secondary Education has suggested to all its affiliated schools to ensure that one period per day is dedicated to sports and games for students up to Grade 10 and two periods  up to Grade 12  respectively. Weightage on admission at tertiary level has also been been proposed with sports and games as a criteria. He finally stated that all efforts would be made to ensure availability of sufficient funds for the development of sports and games in the coming years.

              He concluded his remarks by appreciating the efforts being made by the Persons of Indian Origin in cementing growing bonds in Indo-US relationship.

                 The event concluded with a dinner reception.

 *********