Sports Ministry releases Rs 55.22 crore for Oly preparation

The sports ministry says it has released financial assistance of Rs 55.22 crore so far meant for the 46 medal prospects for this year`s London Olympics.

New Delhi: The sports ministry on Tuesday said it has released financial assistance of Rs 55.22 crore so far meant for the 46 medal prospects for this year`s London Olympics, besides four coaches and support staff.

The gymnasts were the biggest beneficiaries, getting Rs 89.91 lakh from the funds released so far from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). "For imparting customised training to elite athletes, who are medal prospects in the forthcoming London Olympics and other major international sports events, the Sports Ministry has released financial assistance worth Rs. 55.22 crore as on 23.4.2012, from National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) to the 46 sportspersons and 4 Coaches & supporting staff under Operation Excellence 2012," the sports ministry said in a statement. The assistance sanctioned is towards extensive training abroad, engagement of personal coaches both foreign and Indian, competitions exposures abroad, scientific back-up in terms of sports psychologists, physiotherapists, masseurs, etc. PTI