Target Olympic Podium (TOPS): Special diet proposal for equestrian horses approved, weightlifter Mirabai given iPad and high-speed camera, expenditure doubled from Rio Games, Mission Olympic Cell held 150 meetings in three years
Indian athletes have started preparing for the Paris Olympics to win medals in various sports. The players are getting all kinds of support from the government, including the services of foreign coaches and training abroad. The medal contenders are closely monitored by the Sports Ministry. Looking at the preparations that have been made, it can be said that India is now at par with the global standard in terms of sports.
Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Rs 72 crore has been spent since 2021, which is more than double the amount spent during the 2016 Rio Olympics. From May 2023 to May 2024, 403 proposals of TOPS 100 athletes have been approved by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) and only 50 proposals have not been approved. The MOC also holds a meeting every Thursday on this matter.
India tour will start on 25th July, first medal ceremony will be on 27th
The countdown to the Paris Olympics, a symbol of sports, has begun and athletes from around the world are busy preparing for the games held every four years. The Paris Olympics will begin with the opening ceremony on July 26, but the events will begin on July 24. India will field medal contenders in 16 of the 112 sports this time. 47 women and 65 men are participating from India. India won seven medals in the Tokyo Olympics and it is expected that the number of medals will increase this time. India will set out for the Games from July 25. First player to win a medal in archery. India's first medal event will be on July 27 which will be a shooting event. On the 27th, India will participate in seven different sports including hockey, boxing. India will participate in top 10 events including athletics and judo on August 1.
Athletes were provided with various hi-tech equipment
The proposals received by the MoC include training plans, shoes to goggles, high-tech sports watches, high-speed cameras, traditional equipment, clothing, diet and energy supplements. The sports ministry is expecting 10 medals against a proposal of 100. The sports in which medals are expected include three in boxing, two each in badminton, two in athletics, one in archery and one in weightlifting.
Sindhu trains with a staff of 12 people
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been training in Germany since June 15. She is accompanied by mentor Prakash Padukone, a chief and two assistant coaches, a mental strength and conditioning coach and five sparring partners. The Hyderabad shuttler is training with a 12-member team. Men's singles medal contender HS Prannoy has been funded for hyper oxygen therapy and red light therapy. Table tennis player Sharath Kamal has also been funded for his various tests.
A special table was ordered from China for TT player Manika Batra
A specially made table tennis table has been ordered from China for Manika Batra, a female player participating in the Paris Olympics. This type of table will be used in the Paris Games. This table will make it very easy for Manika to understand the speed, spin and bounce of the ball. Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu has been given an iPad and a high-speed camera. Anush Aggarwal, the only equestrian representing the country at the Olympics, has been given funds for special diet, saddle pads, shoes and blankets for her horse. Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen has been given a laser unit that will help her detect even the smallest injury.
Jyoti has qualified for the 100m race in the Olympics
Mumbai: Reliance Foundation-backed Jyoti Yaraji has become the first Indian female athlete to qualify for the 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics. Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation, said, “We are delighted and proud of Reliance Foundation athlete Jyoti Yaraji for becoming the first Indian female athlete to qualify for the women's 100m hurdles at the Olympics. Jyoti's journey is a testament to her commitment and relentless hard work. Perseverance in the face of adversity is the spirit, talent and inspiration of India's youth. We at Reliance Foundation are committed to helping Jyoti and all our young athletes in every possible way. We wish Jyoti and all the Indian athletes all the best for the Paris Games.