Sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday there is a strong chance that the India could take their medal count to double figures for the first time at the Rio Olympics, to be held from August 5 to 21.

According to Sonowal, he has based his assessment on the inputs he has received from various National Sports Federations (NSFs).

“From whatever inputs I have got from the various sports federations, there is a strong chance of India bagging more than 10 medals in Rio. The preparations are going on in full swing and the government have put forward every effort to ensure that the medal tally goes up,” Sonowal said on the sidelines of an event to release the case study done by IIM Ahmedabad on successful staging of South Asian Games (SAG), in New Delhi.

The study, conducted under professor Sanjeev Tripathi, hailed the prompt decision-making ability and good cooperation between the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the ministry, which ensured the successful hosting of the games within a short time frame of 100 days.

“Also, with the Minister deciding to head the Organising Committee made an impact. There were fears among officers due to the baggage of 2010 Commonwealth Games but the teams bonded well to make it a success,” Tripathi said.

Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav also complimented the combined efforts of the ministry and the SAI, which led to 3500 athletes competing in the SAG.