Congress leader Sunil Dutt was on Thursday given a rousing welcome when he returned to Mumbai after assuming ministerial charge in the Manmohan Singh government.
The sports and youth affairs minister, who has always shown concern for subjects related to youth, be it drugs or AIDS, said he has big plans for the betterment of the country's sportspersons.
As a first step in that direction, he said, an association of players would be formed to look into the problems they faced.
"We are making a programme for sportsmen. I am checking the file to know what we have done for sportsmen, what we have planned for them and what we can do for them. The Olympics is in August, which is very close, just two months. I can't do anything for that, but I will concentrate on the Commonwealth Games," said the 74-year-old former actor.
"I am founding an association of players of various games to know the difficulties of sportsmen; to know what facilities they need, because only sportsmen can know what are their problems.
"We will have meetings with different autonomous sports organisations and work out a programme. We have enough time to prepare for the Commonwealth Games," he added.
Dutt said he is also very committed to serving the youth.
"Our youth is healthy. What facilities they need for their betterment we will work for. We will also provide facilities to youth from the villages as well. The adivasis are good in archery; we will think how we can help them to make their talent useful. There are good runners in the villages. We have to go there and check if those people can become good athletes," he said.
He said he does not oppose the quota system in sports. "Every state of the nation should be given a chance, but only those capable should be given the benefit of the quota system.
"If I think two hockey players should come from Punjab, then those players should attain the required standard. Every one should be given chance on the basis of performance. Like in cricket, there is the Ranji Trophy. If a team is successful it is promoted."
He said HIV is a basic problem with youth and since he is also looking after the youth affairs portfolio, he would continue his fight against the dreaded disease.
