A New India
Chapter 261 - 261: Mandate for Ministry of Sports

Neeraj walked briskly through the hallways of Ministry of Sports with a file clutched tightly in his hand.

Rohan had set a clear and ambitious mandate, and Neeraj was here to ensure it was acted upon without delay.

As he entered the main conference room, he was met with the sight of a dozen officials seated around a long table.

Among them were bureaucrats who had spent years working through the slow-moving machinery of the ministry, along with a few younger officers who seemed eager yet apprehensive about the meeting.

The Secretary of Sports, Mohan Das, a man nearing retirement with a reputation for slow decision-making, presided over the gathering.

Neeraj wasted no time, walking to the head of the table and placing the file on the polished wood surface. "Good afternoon, everyone," he began, his tone brisk. "The Prime Minister has given me a clear mandate to deliver to you. This ministry is now on notice."

The room fell silent.

Mohan adjusted his glasses, his brow furrowing. "A mandate, you say? What exactly does that entail, Mr. Neeraj?"

Neeraj fixed his gaze on Mohan. "It entails that this ministry delivers a comprehensive national sports strategy within one week. That includes plans for infrastructure development, talent scouting, and long-term goals for international competitions, including the Olympics. If this deadline isn't met, the Prime Minister has made it clear there will be consequences."

The younger officers exchanged uneasy glances, while Mohan cleared his throat. "One week? Mr. Neeraj, with all due respect, that's an incredibly tight deadline. Such plans require careful thought, consultations, and—"

"There's no time for bureaucracy, Mr. Das," Neeraj interjected firmly. "This country has wasted enough time already. The Prime Minister is not asking for perfection; he's asking for urgency and results. Either we act now, or we risk falling further behind."

A younger officer, Ravi Malhotra, raised his hand hesitantly. "What exactly does the Prime Minister want us to focus on? Sports is a broad area. Are there specific priorities?"

Neeraj opened the file and flipped to the relevant section. "Yes. The priorities are cricket, hockey, football, and Olympic sports like athletics, wrestling, and weightlifting. These will form the foundation of the national strategy. Additionally, traditional Indian sports like kabaddi and archery will also be included, given their cultural significance and potential for global recognition."

Mohan leaned back in his chair, his expression skeptical. "And how are we expected to fund this grand vision? The ministry's budget is already stretched thin."

Neeraj's lips tightened into a thin line. "Funding will not be an excuse for inaction. The Prime Minister has assured that additional resources will be allocated. A portion of the national budget will be earmarked for sports development, and private sponsorships will be encouraged. But make no mistake if this ministry fails to deliver, there will be repercussions."

The room tensed at the mention of threat, and an older bureaucrat, Suresh Prabhu.

"Mr. Neeraj, we've seen plans like this before. They start with enthusiasm and end in chaos. What makes this any different. Last year Das Ji wanted to push a plan for development but it was stopped before it could even reach the Prime Minister."

Neeraj's gaze hardened. "What makes this different is the Prime Minister. Sir isn't here to make hollow promises. He has the vision, the resources, and the determination to see this through. But he needs this ministry to function effectively. If you're not up to the task, step aside. Also regarding what you have told me i will only say one thing give me names and soon you will have results"

As Suresh nodded, Ravi spoke up

"Alright, let's assume we meet this deadline. What are the key elements we need to include in this plan?"

Neeraj flipped a page in the file. "First, infrastructure. The Prime Minister wants regional sports centers in the North, South, East, and West. These centers must have facilities for multiple sports, including cricket, hockey, football, athletics, swimming, and wrestling. Each center should be equipped with modern training equipment, gyms, and coaching staff."

He paused, letting the weight of the words settle, before continuing. "Second, talent scouting. This is critical. We need programs in schools and colleges to identify young talent early. State governments must be brought on board to ensure this reaches even the most remote areas."

A middle-aged bureaucrat, Manish Tandon, frowned. "Talent scouting is easier said than done. Rural areas often lack even basic infrastructure. How do we bring them into the fold?"

Neeraj nodded, acknowledging the challenge. "By leveraging what we have. Use existing schools and community centers as initial hubs. Partner with NGOs and local organizations to identify talent. And once the regional centers are operational, funnel promising players into those facilities."

"And the Olympics?" asked Ravi. "We've been struggling for years. What's the immediate plan there?"

Neeraj's voice grew sharper. "We can't afford to think short-term anymore. For the upcoming Games, identify athletes who have the potential to compete internationally. Provide them with access to top-tier coaching, modern facilities, and international exposure. Simultaneously, start a long-term program to develop talent for future Games."

Mohan tapped his pen on the table, a hint of frustration in his tone. "Mr. Neeraj, these goals are good but they're just words without specifics. What about hockey? Cricket? Football? Each sport requires tailored strategies."

"Let's start with cricket," Neeraj said, flipping another page. "State-level academies will be established to identify and train young players. Scouts will focus on rural and underrepresented areas. The Ranji Trophy will be revamped to include more teams, and existing stadiums will be upgraded."

"For hockey," he continued, "we'll focus on equipment, training camps, and domestic tournaments. Our players need regular competition to stay sharp. And for football, grassroots programs will be launched in schools and colleges, while clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will receive funding to improve their facilities."

"And traditional sports?" asked Suresh. "Are they just being thrown in as an afterthought?"

"Not at all," Neeraj replied. "Kabaddi will have its own national league, and wrestling academies will be set up in Haryana and Punjab, where the sport is already popular. Archery centers will be established in tribal regions, where the skill has deep cultural roots."

Manish raised an eyebrow. "And how do we ensure accountability? These plans often fail because there's no follow-through."

Neeraj's voice turned steely. "The Prime Minister will personally oversee the progress of this plan. A Sports Development Authority will be established to monitor implementation, and quarterly audits will ensure transparency. Anyone caught delaying or mismanaging funds will be held accountable."

The room fell silent for a moment.

Finally, Mohan spoke, his tone more measured. "Alright, Mr. Neeraj. We'll need all the help we can get from your office to make this happen. The timeline is tight, but we'll do our best."

"Your best isn't enough," Neeraj said, his voice cold. "You have one week. The Prime Minister expects results, not excuses. If you can't deliver, you know the consequences."

With that, Neeraj stood, gathering his file.

The officials exchanged uneasy glances as he walked to the door.

Before leaving, he turned back and delivered one final message.

"This isn't just about sports. It's about national pride. The Prime Minister believes in this ministry's ability to deliver. Don't let him down."

As the door closed behind him, the room erupted into hushed conversations.

The mandate was clear, the stakes high.

For the Ministry of Sports, failure was not an option.