The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that till date 25 individual sportspersons and Hockey teams (Men & Women), 16 members each, have qualified for Rio Olympics 2016. List indicating names and sports of qualified sportspersons is attached herewith:-
Funds for preparation of Indian sportspersons are allocated as under:
i.Scheme of Financial Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) – Rs.185 crores.
ii.Scheme of Target Olympic Podium (TOP) under National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)
– Rs.42.82 crores.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today the Minister said, sports is a state subject. Primary responsibility for development and promotion of sports lies with state Governments.
Responsibility to promote a particular sports discipline lies with National Sports Federations (NSFs) which are autonomous in functioning. Union Government complements and supplements the efforts of state Governments and NSFs through its schemes. Further, in order to improve the performance of Indian Sportspersons and to increase the number of medals, National Coaching Camps are being held throughout the year and maximum competition exposure is also being given.
Besides, sportspersons identified as medal prospects are being provided with customised training at various training centres within the country and abroad under world renowned coaches. The identified sportspersons are being provided with all requisite support including customised and tailor-made equipments.