Question : Preparation for Olympic Games

(a) the plan chalked out and the target fixed by the Government to increase medals tally in the Olympic Games to be held in the year 2016;

(b) whether the Government has made any special arrangements to impart sports training and other support for preparation of sportspersons participating in the said Games;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the details of sports facilities made available and the funds allocated/released for this purpose so far, sports, discipline-wise;

(d) the details of promising sportspersons identified and the financial assistance provided to them so far under the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme from National Sports Development Fund for the said games, sports, discipline-wise;

(e) whether the Government created the necessary professional and skilled manpower to run this scheme and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor and the total fund allocated/released/spent so far under the TOP scheme since its inception; and

(f) whether the Government proposes to organise any special gymnastic training camp at Allahabad to prepare athletes for the said games and if so, the details thereof

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (e): Preparations for improving the performance of the sportspersons and teams of the country in international sports events is an ongoing exercise. Coaching camps, customized training within the country and abroad with scientific back-up, competition exposures and engagement of foreign coaches are planned accordingly for improving the performance of Indian sportspersons and teams in international sports events including forthcoming international events.

In order to support India’s best medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympics and other major sporting events up to 2020 Olympics, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has started a “Target Olympic Podium Scheme” (TOP Scheme), promoted by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). The focused disciplines are Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Yachting and Shooting.

A Committee, namely ‘NSDF TOP Scheme Elite Identification Committee’ constituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, after laying down the norms for selection of the right candidates, has so far selected 102 potential athletes for support under the Scheme. The selection has been made after consultation with the National Sports Federations, National Coaches, Experts etc. Criteria for selection included recent performance, consistency in performance, performance vis-à-vis international standards etc.

The selected athletes are being provided financial assistance for their customized training at Institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support. There is provision for annual/semi-annual review of performance of selected athletes.

The Scheme is managed by the NSDF Secretariat in the Ministry, which has adequate manpower to run the scheme. The list of athletes selected under the scheme, along with the fund allocated and released, is at Annexure-I.
(f): No Madam, Coaching camps for elite Indian Gymnasts in preparation for the forth-coming International competitions including qualifying events for the 2016 Rio Olympics are being organized in Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centre at Indira Gandhi Indoor Sports Complex, New Delhi. This centre has International standard facilities created during Commonwealth Games 2010 and upgraded recently.

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