"The minister is far less responsible for medals—that's the role of athletes and clubs," Tusk said on Wednesday as he announced the appointment as part of a Cabinet reshuffle.
"I want him to devote all his time to sport as part of health and education for our youngest. Back to basics," the prime minister added.
Rutnicki, 46, has served in parliament for two decades and led the lower house's Committee on Culture, Physical Education, Sport and Tourism from 2019 to 2023.
He has said politics can "do a lot of good" at the local level, emphasizing his efforts to expand sports infrastructure so "kids can develop their passions and adults care for their health."
Rutnicki studied political science, marketing and local government at the Adam Mickiewicz University in the western city of Poznań.
Since 2005, he has organized the Rutnicki Cup, an amateur beach volleyball tournament held in Poland's western Wielkopolskie region.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP