Preparedness of sportspersons qualified for Rio Olympics, 2016 The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that a Mission Olympic Cell has been set up on 8.4.2016 under the Chairmanship of the Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI) to monitor, inter alia, the preparation of athletes who have already qualified for Rio Olympics 2016. Officials of the Department of Sports and Sports Authority of India are in regular touch with the athletes who have qualified and are likely to qualify. In such interactions, their preparedness and requirement of funding, etc. is discussed. These athletes are being supported under TOP (Target Olympic Podium) programme within the ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). Under this programme, the selected athletes are provided financial assistance for their customized training at Institutes having world class facilities and other support. Further, National coaching camps are organized and competitive exposure abroad is provided to the identified probables under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs). In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today the Minister said, as on 8.5.2016, 86 sportspersons have earned quota place for the country for participation in Rio Olympics 2016. More are expected to qualify for participation in Rio Olympics 2016 as the qualification process will go on till July 2016.
