Question : Preparation for Tokyo Olympics- 2020

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to provide support for athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, 2020, especially financial and professional help;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is aware of several complaints by athletes regarding food and accommodation when they participate in events abroad, and if so, the steps that have been taken to address these issues;

(d) whether the Government has provided any coaching to professional trainers and instructors or recruited professional trainers from abroad for the purpose of enhancing the performance of the athletes and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether India is prepared to stake claim to conduct the Olympics and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the reasons for lack of preparedness?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. This Ministry is supporting sportspersons through National Sports Federations for their training, foreign exposures and competitions to enable them to obtain maximum quota for participation in Olympics and enhance their chances of winning medals. Under the
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) customized training and allied facilities are also being made available to medal prospects and high achievers. ‘Out of pocket allowance’ @ Rs. 50,000/- per month is also given to sportspersons included in TOPS for meeting their contingent and miscellaneous expenses.

(c) No such complaint has been received in the Ministry.

(d) Sports Authority of India under this Ministry has been engaging foreign coaches from time to time in various sports disciplines to meet the training needs of the athletes. As per the contract agreements foreign coaches are required to train two Indian coaches to upgrade their knowledge / technical / skill etc. At present foreign coaches have been engaged for Athletics, Badminton, Hockey, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis and Wrestling.

(e) & (f) Bidding to host multi-sports international events, including Olympics in India is the responsibility of Indian Olympic Association (IOA). As per the guidelines issued by this Ministry IOA has to seek the approval of the Government before bidding for such events. No specific proposal has been received in this Ministry from IOA for permission to apply for hosting of the Olympics.
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