Olympics Preparation: Rs.3.57 crore spent on boxers, Rs.4.73 crore on weightlifters

New Delhi: The union sports ministry has so far spent Rs.3.57 crore on the training and foreign exposure of boxers and Rs.4.73 crore on weightlifters under the Operation Excellence for London Olympics 2012 (OPEX 2012) scheme.

Of the spent amount, Rs.2.48 crore was on conducting national coaching camps for training 58 boxers (40 men and 18 women), who were aided by 19 coaches (including one foreign coach) and seven supporting personnel. The remaining amount of Rs.1.09 crore was utilised on providing foreign exposure, according to a sports ministry release issued Thursday. Four camps each were conducted for men and women pugilists of duration of 231 days and 178 days, respectively, till December 2011. The training began in March 2011, in order to optimise India`s chances to win multiple medals in the games. Also, international exposure was provided to 14 boxers (nine men and five women) in order to enhance their chances in the London Olympics. Four boxers have booked their berth for the London Olympics. They are Devendro Singh (49 kg), Jai Bhagwan (60 kg), Manoj Kumar (64 kg) and Vikash Krishan (69 kg). Two qualification events for the Olympics still remain -- one each for men and women boxers -- and the Indian contingent is hopeful of securing more berths. For the weightlifters a sum of Rs.2.78 crore was spent on conducting National Coaching Camps for training of 50 core probables (24 men and 26 women), the number that was later reduced to 26 (17 men and nine women), who were aided by six coaches and four supporting personnel. Though no weightlifter had as yet qualified for the London Olympics, the Federation was confident that at least three would make it to the London games in the coming qualifying event to be held at Pyeongtaek, Korea April 22-30. IANS