Mansukh Mandaviya assumed charge of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs on Tuesday, pledging full commitment to enhancing India's sporting infrastructure. Mandaviya, who previously served as Union Health Minister, also took over the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Mandaviya assumes Sports Ministry role
"To empower the youth of the country and strengthen the country in the field of sports, today I took charge of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs," Mandaviya posted on X after taking charge.
"We will work together with full commitment to strengthen these areas," he added.
Mandaviya succeeded BJP leader Anurag Thakur in the sports ministry. Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, a three-time BJP MP from Maharashtra's Raver, was also present at the occasion.
Khadse, 37, is the daughter-in-law of NCP leader Eknath Khadse, who recently rejoined the BJP.
Mandaviya's tenure as Health Minister began in mid-2021 during the severe second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. He replaced Dr Harsh Vardhan amid a cabinet reshuffle.
During this period, Mandaviya's ministry was tasked with enhancing the supply of oxygen and medicines and managing the vaccination programme.
In the newly sworn-in government, J P Nadda has been allocated the health ministry.