(a) the number of sportsmen of different discipline and other officials participated in recent olympic games;
(b) the expenditure incurred over the whole delegation;
(c) whether any analysis has been carried out for poor performance of the Indian players;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to improve the performance of sportsmen in future?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SUNIL DUTT)
(a) The strength of the Indian Contingent in Athens Olympics, 2004 was 121 persons i.e., 75 sportspersons and 46 supporting officials. The Indian sportspersons participated in 14 disciplines. Besides, Government had also approved the participation of 2 youth campers & 2 personal coaches/training partners.
(b) Government has so far sanctioned an amount of Rs.66.08 lakhs to Indian Olympic Association towards participation of Indian contingent in the Olympic Games. In addition, expenditure towards excess baggage, etc. will also be borne by the Government.
(c) & (d): After Athens Olympic 2004, meetings with office bearers of the major National Sports Federations were held to analyze their past performance and discuss their future plans of action for achieving excellence in international events. The Federations were advised to ensure transparency in selection and improvement in quality of training so that performance of the Indian sportspersons improved further in the forthcoming regional and international events.
(e) Government of India, in addition to providing sports infrastructure, is taking following steps to improve the performance of sportspersons in the international games:-
i) Finalization & implementation of Long Term Development Plans (LTDPs) for various sports disciplines in consultation with the concerned National Sports Federations, former international sportspersons and sports/scientists experts. ii) Provision of equipment and scientific support to sportspersons. iii) Intensive coaching of the players by Indian and foreign coaches in coaching camps. iv) Intensive training abroad to the teams as well Indian Coaches. v) Financial assistance to concerned federations for participation of sportspersons in international tournaments. vi) The outstanding boys and girls are provided scholarships so that they can have nutritious diet, sports equipment support and be able to pursue sports as a career. Scholarships are also given for research in sports. vii) Assistance for purchase of equipment, scientific support and training and participation within the country and abroad under the `Scheme relating to Talent Search and Training` and the `National Sports Development Fund`. ix) With a view to broad basing of sports and scouting for talent at a young age, the Government is assisting Army under `Army Boys Sports Company Scheme` (ABSC). In addition to eight existing ABSCs, ten more ABSCs have been sanctioned during the current year.