Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said the Government is confident and hopeful that the Indian sportspersons will put their best performances and will make the country proud
TFM Desk
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday told the Rajya Sabha that the Government has continuously provided support to Indian athletes/ teams for their training, foreign exposures and competitions to enable them to obtain maximum quota for participation in Olympics and enhance their chances to win medals.
In a written reply, the YAS Minister said India will be participating in Tokyo Olympics 2020 across the 18 sports disciplines viz., Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Badminton, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Shooting, Sailing, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
The selected athletes have been supported for their customized training and competitive exposures with funding from the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations and National Sports Development Fund. Out of pocket allowance (OPA) has been given @ Rs.50,000/- per month to athletes included in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), he said.
During the pandemic period, athletes have also been supported by providing necessary sporting equipment such as (Barbell Rods, weights, Exercise Bicycle etc.), air pellets, target system with the help from Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centers, State Governments and NGOs at their homes for sustaining their training and practice, he added.
The Minister further said the Government is confident and hopeful that the Indian sportspersons will put their best performances and will make the country proud, as the Government of India, Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations have provided all possible support to the Athletes.