Preparations for India's Charge for Gold at Paris Olympics

India is gearing up for the Paris Olympics with an aim to surpass the record set at the Tokyo Olympics. Here is an overview of India’s preparations, athlete selections, arrangements, training, and government support.

Athletes in Rigorous Training

• Neeraj Chopra: The golden boy of javelin, Neeraj Chopra, is training at the Gloria Training Center in Turkey. He aims to throw his javelin up to 90 meters to clinch the gold.
• P.V. Sindhu: Sindhu is eyeing gold and preparing at the Hermann Neuberger Sports School in Saarbrücken, Germany.
• Manu Bhaker: The 19-year-old shooter Manu Bhaker is training in Zagreb, Croatia, for her maiden Olympics.
• Nikhat Zareen: The world champion boxer is currently training in Germany.
• Bajrang Punia: The freestyle wrestler is training in Vladikavkaz, Russia, competing in the 65 kg category.
• Manika Batra: The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee is training at the SP College, India Khelega, in Pune.
• Shivpal Singh: The prominent javelin thrower is training at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala, recovering from a recent injury.

117 Athletes Representing India

As many as 117 Indian sportspersons will participate in the Paris Olympics, the largest team since Tokyo, where 121 Indian athletes competed. The Sports Ministry has approved sending 117 athletes and 140 support staff. Indian athletes will compete in 16 categories.

According to the Paris Olympics organizing committee, only 67 support staff members are allowed in the Olympic Village. To meet athletes’ needs, the government has arranged accommodations for 72 additional coaches and support staff outside the village.

Selection Process for the Olympics

Athletes can qualify for the Olympics if they secure a position in the World Athletics rankings. According to the Athletics Federation of India’s guidelines, participating in the qualification rounds is mandatory for first-time Olympians. Top athletes often secure direct entries through international competitions. The Indian Olympics Association has the authority to select or reject athletes beyond any qualification.

Increased Funding for Top Athletes

Based on previous performances, athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Satwik-Chirag, and P.V. Sindhu have received increased funds for their training. With financial support, Indian athletes are poised to set new records. India, which won seven medals, including one gold at the Tokyo Olympics, is now aiming to double the medal count at the Paris Olympics.

Substantial Financial Support

In addition to the central government, the BCCI has extended financial support. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced an aid of ₹8.5 crores to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Karnataka has 9 athletes participating in the Olympics, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved an incentive of ₹5 lakh for each athlete.

Target Olympic Podium Scheme

Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), the Indian government, through the Sports Authority of India’s Mission Olympic Cell, has invested a record ₹470 crores for training athletes for the Paris Olympics. Compared to the ₹5.38 crores provided in the previous Olympics, this is a substantial increase.

Athlete and Funding Distribution by Sport

• Athletics: 29 athletes, ₹96.08 crores
• Shooting: 21 athletes, ₹60.42 crores
• Hockey: 19 athletes, ₹41.29 crores
• Table Tennis: 8 athletes
• Badminton: 7 athletes, ₹72.02 crores
• Archery: 6 athletes, ₹39.18 crores
• Boxing: 6 athletes, ₹60.93 crores
• Wrestling: 6 athletes, ₹37.80 crores
• Golf: 4 athletes
• Tennis: 3 athletes
• Swimming: 2 athletes
• Sailing: 2 athletes
• Equestrian: 1 athlete
• Judo: 1 athlete
• Rowing: 1 athlete
• Weightlifting: 1 athlete, ₹26.98 crores

 

Information provided by Tejaswini C. Shastri