(a) whether the Sports Authority of India and other agencies of Government have completed their strategy for the next Olympic Games;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any foreign coaches have been brought to India to ensure that the Indian contingent to the next Olympic win at least five medals;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government have earmarked sufficient funds for training of our athletes;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI VIKRAM VERMA)
(a) to (g): A statement is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.114 FOR 9.12.2003 REGARDING OLYMPIC GAMES ASKED BY PROF. UMMAREDDY VENKATESWARLU.
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Government of India and Sports Authority of India have finalized Long Term Development Plans (LTDP) for various sports disciplines in consultation with the concerned National Sports Federations, former international sportspersons and training method experts and these are being implemented. Besides, the probable medal winners are being provided with required scientific and equipment support, coaching by Indian and foreign coaches in coaching camps and assistance to participate in international tournaments as per requirements given by the concerned federations.
Moreover, under the `Scheme Relating to Talent Search and Training,` and also under the `National Sports Development Fund` assistance is being provided to promising sportspersons for training and participation in tournaments abroad, for purchase of equipment for scientific support and for training and participation in the country.
Sponsorship from public and private sector undertakings has also been mobilized as part of the strategy and several sportspersons have been benefited through it.
Finally, in order to monitor the preparation for the next Olympic Games, Government has constituted a high level Committee which has been empowered to make recommendations on all matters pertaining to the preparation of the Indian contingent for the Olympic Games, 2004.
(c) & (d): In order to prepare Indian teams and sportspersons who have already qualified for 2004 Olympics or are likely to qualify, Government has engaged a number of foreign coaches. The details of such coaches is at Annexure-I.
(e) to (g): The expenditure on account of training of our sportspersons/athletes is met from the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federation, Scheme Relating to Talent Search & Training and National Sports Development Funds. These Schemes have a combined budgetary provision of Rs.46.67 crores for the year 2003-2004 which is considered adequate.