THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
[KIREN RIJIJU]
(a) to (c):Sir, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following measures were taken for the welfare of the sportspersons during the pandemic:
i) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) were laid down to resume sports activities in the training centres under the name of “Khelo India-Firr Se”. The SOP covers all stakeholders at the training centres including:
• All Athletes
• All technical and non-technical support staff
• All administrative staff
• All hostel and facility management staff
• All visitors to the centre
A COVID Task Force Committee was set-up to ensure the guidelines are strictly implemented at the training centre. The committee was responsible for the constant monitoring and management of the health protocols of the government.
The SOP categorises the sporting disciplines into non-contact sports, minimal/medium-contact sports, full contact sports and water sports.
ii) Regular interaction with the athletes was done in order to boost their morale and keep them motivated in these tough times. Seminars and workshops by experts in sports psychology, sports science/medicine, nutrition in Covid, strength & conditioning, high performance sports environment, anti-doping have been organized for Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) athletes via, video conferencing, social media like Facebook Live, Insta Live etc., to educate athletes about how to cope with stress during tough times and focusing on their objectives so that the training is not hampered.
iii) National Coaching Camps :
National Coaching Camps were resumed from 01.06.2020 for the 2021 Olympic bound athletes. The SOPformulated is being strictly followed at the national camps. Timetable has been formulated for the athletes (or group of athletes in case of team sport) so that they can train without coming in contact with the other athletes. Other than the coaches, support staff and necessary administrative staff, no one else is allowed to meet or interact with the athletes at the national camps.
During the lockdown Phase, the athletes under TOPS Scheme which covers upcoming Olympics 2021 (Tokyo), 2024 (Paris) and 2028 (Los Angeles)as well as Asian Games, 2022 probable athletes were provided with necessary sporting equipment such as (Barbell Rods, weights, Exercise Bicycle etc.), air pellets, target system with the help from SAI Regional Centres, State Governments and NGOs at their homes during the first phases of nationwide lockdown so that they can train within their homes. This facility was extended as per request of the athlete and feasibility of operationalizing the same during lockdown.
To ensure the welfare of national sportspersons and to take care of their physical, mental and financial needs during the lockdown, including the financial assistance provided during the last three years is as follows :
<pre>
YEAR Funds (OPA) released to Athletes through TOPS scheme
(Rs. in crore) Funds (OPA) released through Khelo India Scheme
(Rs. in crore)
Core Group Development Group
2017-18 6.51 -- --
2018-19 5.94 -- 11.80
2019-20 5.93 -- 31.86
2020-21 4.60 3.00 25.92 </pre>
Currently, 104 athletes and 2 teams (Senior Hockey Men and Women) in the TOPS Core Group and 269 athletes in TOPS Development Group are being provided Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA) of Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 25,000/- respectively. Under Khelo India Scheme, 2947 budding athletes have been identified. OPA of Rs. 10,000/- per month is being provided to identify athletes under this scheme.
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