Rio Olympics: 45 selected for TOP
The IIFCL will contribute Rs.30 crore (Rs.10 crore each year for three years) to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme under its initiatives for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday Sonowal said, the TOP Scheme has been formulated within the overall ambit of the NSDF with the objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympics Games.
The IIFCL has contributed Rs.10 crore to the NSDF in March 2015. The contribution will be used to fund the activities of the sport of Badminton under TOP Scheme.
He said 45 sportspersons in the disciplines of Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Wrestling and Sailing have been identified/selected for their customized training at Institutes/ Centers, having world class facilities/high quality support staff, under the guidance of reputed coaches.
The Minister said, criteria for selection included recent performance, consistency in performance, performance vis-a-viz international standards, etc. The list of sportspersons selected so far under the scheme is given in the statement at Annexure.
There has been representation from Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa, Badminton Players (Doubles) for their inclusion in the TOP Scheme.
There is provision for periodic review of performance of sportspersons, who reach the prescribed benchmark, for induction in the Scheme. Total fund allocated is given in the statement at Annexure.
A sum of Rs.96.80 lacs has been released so far, the Minister added.
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