Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore promises ‘surgical’ distribution of funds for 2020 Olympics
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has guaranteed ‘surgical’ distribution of funds to athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, two year from now. The Sports Minister also added that funds are no longer an issue as many corporate organisations have started contributing generous amounts off late.
The last time the word ‘surgical’ got popular was when the Indian army fought back at the border against the Pakistan militant forces through conducted a ‘Surgical strike’. However, this time, there’s less of bloodshed and more reason to be happy about as far as the Indian athletes are concerned as they step up their preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has promised that the young Indian athletes would now be backed substantially by corporates and there would be ‘surgical’ distribution of funds ahead of the quadrennial showpiece in 2020.
“We have very clearly and very professionally divided our working between grassroots and elite sportspersons. The elite athletes are being looked after by a different set of professional people so that there is no bureaucracy. We have just begun working on systems that can connect the athletes to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) absolutely straight, transparent and quick,” Rathore told PTI sources.
TOPS was founded in 2014 to fund athletes who were considered big medal prospects for the Olympics. At present, the athletes are being chosen by a committee and the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), under the Sports Authority of India Director General, who are entrusted with the task of giving out funds to those selected.
Former Olympic silver medalist - Rathore said funds are no longer an issue for Indian sports as a lot of corporate houses have been quite generous in their sponsorships.
“We have now funds available for grassroots to elite. A lot of corporates are coming on board. They are putting in funds. Earlier, the funds were going in different directions but now we are combining and concentrating the flow.
“We have already started working for 2024 and 2028 Olympics. The 2020 Olympics is right next around the corner and in our celebrations (for the Asiad success), we haven’t forgotten (that) and reminded the athletes (as well). “Our real achievements will come in 2024 and 2028 Olympics. But nothing will be left undone even now. Very precise and surgical support will be provided to each athlete so that they give their best (in Tokyo). This period of 600 odd days is a lot, a lot can change positively for us,” the Minister added.
0
0
0
0
0
0
Comments
Sign up or log in to your account to leave comments and reactions
0 Comments