Lok Sabha Question No. 194 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Strategic Plans for Upcoming Olympics and Paralympics Events
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 194

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

Strategic Plans For Upcoming Olympics and Paralympics Events

194. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of funding allocated and utilized for India's participation in  the  recent  Olympics  and  Paralympics,  including  expenditures  on training, coaching, infrastructure and international exposure;
- (b) the criteria and process followed to distribute funds among various sports  federations  and  athletes  in  preparation  for  the  Olympics  and Paralympics;
- (c)  the  specific  challenges  faced  in  the  funding  and  preparation process  for  these  events  and  whether  any  corrective  measures  are being  implemented  to  improve  efficiency  and  support  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has any strategic plan for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics including projected funding requirements to enhance  the  training  facilities  and  measures  to  support  emerging athletes; and
- (e)  the  details  of  the  targets  set  by  the  Government  for  medal outcomes in the next Olympics and Paralympics and the initiatives in place to achieve these goals?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (e) Sir, preparation for International events including Olympics and Paralympics is an ongoing and continuous process. The Ministry of  Youth  Affairs  &  Sports  supports  the  Indian  sportspersons/teams through various schemes, such as Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

The  plans  /  proposals  of  the  National  Sports  Federations  (NSFs) relating to training, competitive exposure, coaches  and  support personnel including foreign coaches, for preparing sportspersons/teams  for  the  international  events  including  megasports events such as Olympics, Paralympics etc. are deliberated and finalized in the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) meetings. Further, the proposals received, under TOPS, are evaluated and  approved  on  a  case-by-case  basis  by  the  Mission  Olympic  Cell (MOC),  and  on  approval,  the  funds  are  directly  disbursed  to  the athletes to facilitate their training and participation in competitions.

For  the  Olympics  2024,  athletes  were  provided  facilities  of  coaching camps, exposure to international competitions, etc, which was funded various Government  Schemes  and  CSR  funding  from  the  Public  and  the to the tune of approximately Rs. 470 crore, through corporate sector.

For the Paralympics 2024, overall funding to the tune of approximately Rs.74  crore  was  utilized  for  the  preparation  and  participation  of athletes, covering key areas such as training and coaching, International exposure and competitions, Sports infrastructure development.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) creates / upgrades infrastructure in its  SAI  Centres.  Over the last five years, Rs. 533.55 crore  have been spent  towards  improving  the  infrastructure  and  facilities of  SAI Centres, where Olympic bound athletes of different sports get trained. After  conclusion  of  the  Paris  Olympics  2024,  the  following  learnings

## have emerged:

- Need for a clear selection policy and training plan of athletes by NSFs.
- Talent  identification  through  strong  domestic  competition structure.
- Integration of sports science to enhance sporting performances.
- Development of coaches and Technical Officials and improving their competencies.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the NSFs, including the Indian Olympic Association, and the SAI are working in close coordination for providing best facilities, training, equipment support as also a wholesome nutritious diet required for preparation of the  teams and sportspersons for the forthcoming international sports events, including  Olympics  and  Paralympics.  Furthermore,  Government  has also established the National Centre of Sports Science and Research (NCSSR)  at  New  Delhi  to  better  integrate  sports  science  into  the overall sports ecosystem.

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