Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has been in his position for a little over a month. Speaking to The Indian Express, he talks of targets, preparations for the CWG and the pending Sports Bill.

Did you set yourself any immediate targets to meet on taking over?

First of all, I have to make people aware as to what I want to do. For this, I need to interact and converse more with a cross section of society, who, like me, think sport is an important part of life. I have to have more discussions, if I have to make this ministry visible and focus oriented. For me, this is of prime importance.

Do you have specific measures in mind?

There are many schemes for existing infrastructure under the SAI and other bodies, but these have to be maintained properly. Some of them are in a bad condition. Sportspersons tell us these stadiums have been used for sports only 40-50 days a year. We have to formalise new schemes to change this scenario.

Schemes have failed in the past. What do you intend to change?

We understand few schemes have failed. Those failures have to be taken into account. Why did we fail? Was our approach wrong or the programme wrong? Those shortcomings have to be listed.

The sports bill has yet to be ratified. What is your viewpoint?

We need to have more discussion on this issue. It is a question of involving all stakeholders — players, trainers, coaches and federations. We have to take their view on any kind of initiative in the future.

Will you go through the bill again?

It is not a question of relooking the subject. It is a question of taking people in confidence and making sure they feel they belong. Tomorrow, everyone should feel proud if this bill is table in the the House.

You had a review meeting with the federations about our preparedness for the CWG. What can be done to help our sportspersons?

From what I have understood in my time here, there are disciplines that always get us medals in international meets. This time we will support them fully. Unko kabhi kisi bhi cheez ki kami mahesoos nahi hone denge. (They should not feel shortchanged on any issue) We will not only help the players, we will do the same for trainers and coaches too. These are the people who prepare our sportspersons and will be treated equally.