Sports ministry directs NSFs to identify Tokyo 2020 prospects

NSF
Athletes at the launch of the Olympians Association of India

India’s disappointing run at the Rio Olympics, which concluded earlier in the year, has suddenly awakened the sports ministry of the country. Now, the ministry wants to send a larger contingent and to see a better performance from the Indian athletes in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

The National Sports Federations (NSFs) has been instructed by the ministry to identify future medal contenders in a bid to ensure a greater success at the biggest sporting extravaganza. The sports ministry has also promised to provide massive support for these contenders so as to claim the gold medal that eluded India in Rio.

Although India sent their largest ever contingent to the Olympics this year, the athletes could not perform well. The tally of only two medals, one silver, and one bronze, does not reflect India’s true quality. While many of the serious contenders like Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Abhinav Bindra could not achieve the desired success, the likes of PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik saved India’s blushes.

Vijay Goel, the sports minister, has also given his approval to the ministry’s project. The NSFs have been given the deadline of 30 November 2016 to send in the names of their best prospects. This means that the federations have a just 28 days to finalize the names and have to get it cracking immediately.

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In a statement released by the ministry, it was said, "Department of Sports has advised NSFs to identify medal prospects and their support staff for the 2020 Olympic Games by 30th November 2016. This is to ensure that the core probable get the support of dedicated world-class support staff on a continuing basis to be able to work as a coherent team and deliver."

The ministry is adamant about not letting financial troubles be an obstacle in the country’s preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games. They have even instructed the sports federations to approach the National Sports Development fund as and when they require financial aid.

"The NSFs should approach the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for any financial assistance required under the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme," the ministry said.

Also read: Rio Olympics 2016: Indian Sports Minister expects medal tally to touch double digits

"The department has advised the NSFs to carry out the exercise of selection and review with total transparency and put up details of the same on their website as a part of suo moto disclosure."

"In respect of the sports discipline(s) in which NSFs are suspended/not recognised by MYAS, this exercise is to be undertaken by Sports Authority of India (SAI) namely Archery, Gymnastics, Judo, Tennis," added the ministry.

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Edited by Staff Editor