(a) whether the Government have brought out a well planned policy to train Indian athletes for the next Olympics;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(
(c) the steps proposed to make better preparations for the next Olympics;
(d) whether any particular event or events are likely to be focussed upon; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI PON. RADHAKIRISHNAN)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Long Term Development Programmes are being prepared in consultation with National Sports Federations, Indian Olympic Association and Sports Authority of India for scouting talent and training Indian athletes for Olympics, 2004.
(c) Selected players are being trained in camps at National Institute of Sports, Patiala and other Regional Centres of the SAI. Government would focus on those sports disciplines in which our sports persons have a chance to do reasonably well such as athletics, boxing, weight lifting, shooting and hockey.
(d) & (e): India would be participating in a Asian Games, 2002 and Commonwealth Games, 2002. Based on performance of Indian sports persons in these two major multi-disciplinary events, the disciplines would be identified for specialised and focussed training