2016 Rio Olympics: Union sports minister wish Indian contingent luck, hopes for double-digit medal tally

New Delhi: New Union Sports Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday wished Indian contingent for the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics good luck saying, "the entire country is looking up to them with great expectations."

"As an Indian, as a citizen and also currently looking after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, it gives me an added pleasure to express my good wishes to the larger contingent which is larger than ever before."

Jitendra was given additional charge of Sports and Youth Affairs after the resignation of Sarbananda Sonowal, who took oath as the chief minister of Assam on May 24 after leading the BJP-led NDA to power in the north-eastern state.

"And we have huge talent going to Rio this time, whether it is in the form of shooter or badminton contingent, discus thrower, gymnasts. I am sure the entire country is looking up to them with great expectations. And the good wishes of 130 crore people of this country are going to accompany them when they will leave for Rio," he said.

Assuring all possible assistance to the contingent, the Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office said he is hoping for double-digit medal tally in Rio.

"I have been in this ministry only for the last two to three weeks, but we have made sure that as far as possible, there should be every kind of assistance and operation made available to each of these players depending on his or her requirements. And the ministry would never lack in doing so.”

"Last time it was 6 and I hope this time it is double digit," the doctor-turned-politician said.

The Indian Olympic Association is going to send it's largest ever delegation with, at least 96 athletes confirmed so far.

The Rio Olympics is scheduled to to place from August 5 to August 21.