Participation in Olympics, 2016

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that the qualification process for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games began in 2014 and will go on up to the first week of July, 2016. Till date, 57 athletes, 25 in individual events and Men & Women Hockey teams (16 members each) have qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The List indicating names of qualified sportspersons and disciplines in team games is attached at:

Sports Authority of India (SAI) is responsible for implementing the Annual Calendar of Training and Competitions (ACTC) in identified sports disciplines which includes holding of National Coaching Camps and participation of National Teams in International Competitions. SAI also assists in the implementation of the newly introduced Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme, which meets customized training needs of medal prospect athletes. The allocation under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations during the current Financial Year is Rs.185 Crore.

He said, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is regularly interacting with the Corporate Sector for making contribution to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). They are also encouraged to contribute to the NSDF under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). The contributions to the NSDF are eligible for 100% tax exemption under Section 80 G of the Income Tax Act. The representatives of apex industry bodies namely, FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM are members of the Council of NSDF.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today the Minister said, in order to support India’s best medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympics and major sporting events up to 2020 Olympics, the Ministry has started a ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme’(TOP Scheme) promoted by the National Sports Development Fund. An Elite Athletes Identification Committee has been set up with Ms. Anju Bobby George, renowned athlete as its chairperson, Shri Rahul Dravid, Shri Pullella Gopichand, Ms. Manisha Malhotra, Ms M C Mary Kom as members among others to evaluate and select potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games for support under the TOP Scheme. Focused discipline are Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling and Shooting.