Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju has informed that Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is supporting sports persons through National Sports Federations for their training, foreign exposures and competitions to enable them to obtain maximum quota for participation in Olympics and enhance their chances of winning medals. Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), customized training and allied facilities are also being made available to medal prospects and high achievers. ‘Out of pocket allowance’ @ Rs. 50,000/- per month is also given to sportspersons included in TOPS for meeting their contingent and miscellaneous expenses.
Sports Authority of India under this Ministry has been engaging foreign coaches from time to time in various sports disciplines to meet the training needs of the athletes. As per the contract agreements foreign coaches are required to train two Indian coaches to upgrade their knowledge / technical / skill etc. At present foreign coaches have been engaged for Athletics, Badminton, Hockey, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis and Wrestling.
Bidding to host multi-sports international events, including Olympics in India is the responsibility of Indian Olympic Association (IOA). As per the guidelines issued by the Ministry, IOA has to seek the approval of the Government before bidding for such events. No specific proposal has been received in the Ministry from IOA for permission to apply for hosting of the Olympics.