The Khelo India Games are being used as preparation for holding the Olympics in India in future, Sports Authority of India (SAI) Secretary Rohit Bhardwaj said here today.
"Someday we shall be holding the Olympics. We are preparing for it through the Khelo India Games," Bharadwaj said.
He said the aim is to provide Olympic-level facilities for the Khelo India Games to give the players the experience of competing at the topmost level.
Stating that the playing arena is almost Olympia-level, Bharadwaj especially praised the shooting range facility.
He said, "The shooting range is the best in the world. Such facilities are perhaps only available in Tokyo and here. It is completely sophisticated and state-of-the-art."
Besides the playing field, the transport and accommodation, and gear and dress were also being attempted to be best, he said.
He lauded the Spicejet for flying eight chartered flights to carry the players, pointing how such an initiative has enabled teams from places like Ladakh to participate.
"For many players, it was their first flight and the joy on their faces was visible," he added.
He also mentioned as major encouragement for the young players when their faces and names are flashed in the media, which also serves as motivation for other youngsters.
The SAI Secretary further said the rules and regulations of top tournaments, including anti-doping rules, were also being followed in the Games to ensure that the players become accustomed to such tough regulations.
Over 12,000 people, including 5600 athletes, from 37 states and union territories have been a part of this third edition of the Khelo India Games, which are being held from January 10 to 22.