Investing in India’s Future Medal Winners
With less than two years remaining for the highly awaited 2024 Paris Olympics, The Indian Express delves into the financial support provided by the Sports Ministry to nurture our talented athletes representing the nation on the biggest stage. A total of 16 sporting disciplines have secured qualification spots for India in Paris showing rising performances.
Topping the list is the Indian Men’s Hockey team with a funding of Rs. 41.81 crores as they aim to build upon their historic bronze from Tokyo last time. Individual stars like Neeraj Chopra (Rs. 5.72 crores), Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (Rs. 5.62 crores), PV Sindhu (Rs. 3.13 crores) have received substantial amounts in their pursuit of podium finishes.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu (Rs. 2.74 crores), shooters Anish Bhanwala (Rs. 2.41 crores), Manu Bhaker (Rs. 1.68 crores) and table tennis veterans Sharath Kamal (Rs. 1.14 crores) and Manika Batra (Rs. 1.30 crores) are some other prominent names among those supported. Golfers Aditi Ashok and Shubhankar Sharma, sailors Vishnu Saravanan, boxers Nikhat Zareen and wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Antim Panghal also feature in the list.
In total, Rs. 410 crores have been allocated towards developing our hopes till date across disciplines like archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting and more. With such generous backing, our champions will be well-equipped in their quest for glory on the global stage in Paris. As the country pins high hopes on them, it remains to be seen if they can deliver and add to India’s all-time greatest Olympic performance.
