The Sports Ministry on Thursday granted approval to Asian Games silver medallist javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena’s proposal to train in Australia, while also funding Tokyo Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu’s month-long rehab training in the US, ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), through its Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), will provide funding for Jena, covering airfare, boarding, lodging, training and massage facilities, medical and local travel expenses, and medical insurance costs for both the athlete and his accompanying coach and physiotherapist, among other expenditures.
Similarly, Mirabai Chanu and her coach will receive TOPS funding to cover airfare, boarding, lodging, gym expenses, medical insurance costs, and other associated expenditures.
The governing body has also greenlit proposals for wrestlers Deepak Punia (Freestyle), Ashu (Greco-Roman), and Ronit Sharma (Greco-Roman) to
undergo training abroad.
These decisions affirm the government’s commitment to fostering the development of elite athletes by providing specialized training and rehabilitation opportunities.