BCCI to donate Rs 10 crore for Tokyo Olympic-bound athletes' preparations

BCCI to donate Rs 10 crore for Tokyo Olympic-bound athletes' preparations (Representational Image)

New Delhi: The Indian cricket board on Sunday pledged a donation of Rs 10 crore for the training and preparations of country's Olympic-bound athletes.

A decision in this regard was taken at the BCCI's emergent Apex Council meeting, attended by Board president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah.

"The summer Olympics is scheduled to be held in Tokyo from 23 July to 8th August 2021. The BCCI has decided to support Indian athletes in every form and manner it can. In that spirit, based on the request received from the IOA/MYAS, the Apex Council of BCCI has decided to extend support to the Indian Olympic Association and has pledged a monetary gesture of Rs 10 crores."

"The BCCI wishes all the athletes representing India in the Olympics all the very best and hopes that they return with more medals than ever before," the cricket governing body said in an official press release. 

It is understood that post departure of Li Ning as the kit sponsor, the amount donated by the BCCI will certainly help in multiple ways for the contingent in covering various costs which includes training and preparation.

"The BCCI has always believed in helping in the development of Olympic Sports and this is not the first time that a big amount is being donated," a senior BCCI official told PTI.