260 crore for Olympics preparation

The government on Thursday announced that it has earmarked Rs 258.39 crore to prepare athletes for the London Olympics, under 'Project Opex 2012'.

Sports minister Ajay Maken, addressing a press meet, said the estimated amount is for 16 months, starting April 2011.

Sixteen disciplines, identified by the government for systematic and scientific training, will benefit from the programme.

The performance of Indian athletes at the Commonwealth and Asian Games was the basis for identification of disciplines for the scheme.

The 16 disciplines identified are: archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, gymnastics, hockey, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.

Maken said the Steering Committee of the ministry has finalised action plans in all 16 identified disciplines.

In the first round of meetings, the list of core probables, foreign and Indian coaches, support personnel, duration and venues of National Coaching Camps, International exposure and qualifying competitions have been identified.

The strategic planning for qualifying tournaments are being prepared by the national coaches in consultation with foreign coaches. A total of 28 foreign coaches have been selected for engagement. 17 coaches have joined and 11 are in the process of joining.

Maken also said that 32 government observers in the identified disciplines have been appointed to ensure effective conduct of the national coaching camps and fair selection of players for international exposures and qualifying competitions.

The sports minister also said a three-member committee of experts will be appointed to ensure that the national athletes get the best possible nutrition and diet.

In addition to this, a three-member oversight committee consisting of one member each from the IOA, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Sport discipline is also being constituted. It will visit the national camps periodically to check the standard of food and other infrastructure.

The government had launched Operation Excellence (OPEX) 'Project Opex 2012' in March this year.