New Delhi: In the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, India will have its first-ever Olympic Hospitality House.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) along with the JSW Group on Thursday announced a partnership to build the facility.
Many of the Olympic participating countries have their own hospitality houses during the Games but this will be the first time India will be having one to showcase its culture and heritage.
The official India House logo was unveiled by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju in the presence of IOA President Narinder Batra and Secretary General Rajeev Mehta.
"The India House at the 2020 Olympics is an amazing concept. We need a team to produce a sports champion. We have to create the right ambience for our athletes at the Olympics. The India House will represent the idea of India at the Tokyo Games," said Rijiju.
Kiren Rijiju further said he would fail as a Sports Minister if India cannot finish inside the top 10 in the medals tally by 2028 Olympics.
Rijiju said with India set to become the third-largest economy in a few year's time, the country cannot lag behind in sports and the prevailing mediocrity in management of National Sports Federations (NSF) is "unacceptable".
"Our country is set to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2022 or 2024, we will be in the top three in many fields in the next four-five years. There is no reason why we cannot do well in Olympics," Rijiju said while unveiling the logo of India House to be established in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics.
"2020 Olympics is too near but by 2024 or in 2028, India should be in top 10 in the medals tally. It is our target. If India cannot do this, I will feel my becoming Sports Minister is of no use," he added.
Scheduled to be operational from July next year, the India Olympic Hospitality House will be built by JSW on a piece of land of 2,200 square metre area in close proximity to the Games Village and multiple venues in the Ariake region of Tokyo.
It will offer a range of activities and experiences for travelling fans and supporters who will be in Tokyo for the Olympics. A staple among developed sporting nations, this will be the first-ever such venue for India at the Olympic Games.
Through this initiative, the IOA and JSW hope to cement India's presence as a significant member of the Olympic Movement.
Running through the duration of the Games, the venue will host watch parties, medal celebrations and meet-and-greet opportunities with the Indian athletes. Traditional Indian sports will be displayed and visitors will also get a taste of variety of Indian cuisine.
A dedicated Athlete Lounge for the Indian Olympians to feel at home and access to medical facilities and food will be available on site.
A media centre to host travelling Indian media personnel has also been planned in the area.
Several Indian and international brands will also have their stalls to display and sell their products.
Mehta, who was involved in the process of identifying the proposed site for India House, highlighted that the event would be special as it would mark the centenary of India's participation at the Olympic Games.
Speaking exclusively to ETV Bharat, Mehta said that "The India House will host special meetings and dignitaries from different federations and Olympic Committees and help India make its presence felt in the Olympic Movement." Mehta further said, "The house will host Indian athletes and help them with proper nutritional foods while also aiding Indian dignitaries and media representatives with a common house where they will be hosted".
