Nothing less than a 'medal spring' awaits us in Rio: Prez

Calling for creating a strong sporting nation with sound sports infrastructure, President Pranab Mukherjee today set the ball rolling for the next Olympics in Brazil expressing hope that India will improve its ranking in the world.

Calling for creating a strong sporting nation with sound sports infrastructure, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday set the ball rolling for the next Olympics in Brazil expressing hope that India will improve its ranking in the world.

Felicitating the sportspersons who won medals at the just concluded London Olympics, the President said, "there is no time to rest on laurels. We must collectively lift our nation to greater heights.

"The onus for doing so is not just on our athletes and sports authorities. It must become the duty of every citizen to promote a sporting culture in our country," Mukherjee said and also asked major corporates to sponsor, help identify and nurture talent.

"A strong sporting nation can be built only on the foundation of sound sports infrastructure. We must create sports facilities across the country and nurture talent from the grassroots," the President said.

"I am confident that nothing less than a 'medal spring' awaits us at the next Olympics," he said.

He said while the entire nation is rejoicing the achievements in London, it was a moment when everyone needs to re-dedicate in building India's sporting future.

"Let preparations for the next Olympics begin from today itself. Let us set our goals high and tell ourselves - 'Rio, here we come'."