Paris Olympic: Neeraj Chopra got a big relief before the Paris Games, Sports Ministry took an important decision
India has started finalizing preparations for the Paris Olympics to be held in July-August this year. India’s biggest hope for a medal in the Paris Games is from javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who will defend his gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The Sports Ministry on Thursday approved world champion Neeraj’s plan to undergo 60 days of training in Europe to prepare for the Olympics. During this time, Neeraj will be accompanied by coach Klaus Bartonitz and physio Ishan Marwah.
Neeraj created history
Neeraj created history three years ago by becoming the first Indian to win a track and field medal at the Tokyo Olympics. He will train at different locations in Europe from May 29 to July 28. The financial assistance under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) will include airfare, boarding and lodging, medical insurance, local travel expenses, as well as other allowances as per the norms of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Proposal to take Vinesh’s coach also accepted
Apart from Neeraj, the Mission Olympic Unit (MOC) of the Sports Ministry also accepted the proposal to include strength and conditioning coach Wayne Patrick Lombard in the international training camp of Asian Games gold medalist wrestler Vinesh Phogat to be held in Hungary from June 10 to 21. Vinesh, who participated in the 50 kg category in the Paris Olympics, had requested assistance for Lombard’s travel to Hungary, visa and stay and local travel. She will participate in the United World Wrestling’s second ranking series Polyak Imre and Varga Janos Memorial in Budapest from June 6 to 9. The MOC also approved her proposal to participate in the Grand Prix to be held in Spain from July 5 to 7 in Madrid. Vinesh’s support team will include physio Ashwini Jeevan Patil, sparring partner Arvind and coach Voler Akos. Along with this, the MOC also approved the proposal to extend the training camp of long jump athlete Shaili Singh in Europe till June 23. She will train with coach Bobby George in Lisbon, Paris, Athens and Geneva.
