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In a recent development in Indian sports, Asian Games javelin throw silver medalist Kishore Kumar Jena has obtained approval to undergo a 78-day training program in Gold Coast, Australia.
The sports ministry has approved the decision ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, considering all the preparatory measures for the extravaganza. Notably, this initiative is fully funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
The ministry has assured financial support which tends to cover plane tickets and accommodation, training facilities, medical expenses, and insurance. This comes not only for the javelin thrower but also for his physiotherapist and coach.
The ministry was quoted as saying in a press release:
“MYAS, under its Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), will fund Jena, his coach and physiotherapist’s airfare, boarding & lodging expenditures, along with the cost for availing training and massage facilities, medical and local travel expenses and Medical Insurance costs among other expenditures.”
Jena's inclusion in the foreign training program is noteworthy considering his status as India's second-longest javelin throw record holder after the record-breaking Neeraj Chopra.
Ministry assures bearing Mirabai Chanu's expenses for foreign training ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics
Similarly, Tokyo Olympic medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu is gearing up to undergo a 30-day rehabilitation program in St. Louis, USA, ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a significant development for the 29-year-old, MYAS has also approved funding for Chanu similar to Kishore.
The ministry added:
“Ministry, under TOPS funding, will cover her (Mirabai) and her coach’s airfare, boarding & lodging cost, gym expenses, and medical insurance cost among other expenditures.”
She will be accompanied by chief coach Vijay Sharma during the rehabilitation process. Dr. Aaron Horschig will be responsible for her training sessions.
Chanu's outstanding track record includes well-deserved gold medals at the Commonwealth Games 2022 and 2018, and a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Furthermore, a list of wrestlers including freestyler Deepak Punia, Ashu and Ronit Sharma in Greco-Roman categories, have also attained foreign training approval under TOPS. The ministry has assured bearing expenses for these wrestlers as well.
