New Delhi: Narendra Modi has a penchant for pulling off surprises. Be it inviting SAARC leaders for his swearing-in or going to Pakistan on Nawaz Sharif's birthday, the Indian Prime Minister always keeps the media and observers guessing.
If an Indian Express report is to be believed, the Modi-led NDA government is all set to make a big splash at the upcoming Rio Olympics 2016 in August.
The Indian government intends to promote the 'Make in India' program at the multi-discipline showpiece event.
Apart from this, cultural and sporting initiatives, including exhibition Kabaddi matches, are being planned.
The report further claims that a Hospitality House too could be set at the Games to promote Indian art, culture, cuisine, tourism and the Make in India program
The possibility of executing this was discussed by secretaries from different ministries during their recent meeting, which included representatives from the ministries of external affairs, sports, culture and tourism along with officials from Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and Make in India team.
This will be the first time the Indian camp will set up a Hospitality House at the Olympics.
“Our embassy in Brazil came up with this proposal. The Hospitality House will be used to project Indian culture, cuisine, tourism, etc in Rio. The committee discussed it recently and have requested MEA to coordinate it further so that the sports ministry can focus on the main contingent,” Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav told IE.
Ministry of External Affairs and the rest of the committee is working on a budget for the same.
The sports ministry is also in the process of renting an apartment near the Olympic Village. This will be used to store special diet for wrestlers, including milk and almonds.
Athletes will also be able to use this apartment for recreation and other 'special needs'.
“It’s a special apartment for milk, almonds, etc., for wrestlers. Wrestling is a sport where they take this kind of diet because most of them are vegetarians and are dependent on it. There will also be a sitting lounge where they can watch Hindi movies so that they can stay normal and feel at home,” Yadav further added.
In a bid to promote Kabaddi as an Olympic sport, the government also intends to conduct exhibition matches on the sidelines.
