Sports Ministry approves foreign training for Paris Olympics-bound athletes

In a significant move to boost India’s performance in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, the Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved foreign training camps for several athletes. This decision is a part of India’s concerted efforts to provide its athletes with world-class training and exposure, thereby enhancing their chances of excelling at the global event.

Paris Olympics Athletes included in MOC

The notable athletes who have received approval for their training programs include wrestler Vinesh Phogat, pistol shooter Arjun Singh Cheema, table tennis players Sreeja Akula and Manika Batra, and boxer Lovlina Borgohain. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent and potential in their respective sports, and the foreign training camps are expected to further hone their skills and competitive edge.

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, has sought financial assistance for a competition and training camp in Madrid, followed by a training camp in Boulogne sur-Mer, France. She is set to compete in the Grand Prix, in Spain, in July before spending a week in training there. Following this, she will head to Boulogne sur-Mer, France, to train for 20 days ahead of the Olympics.

Arjun Singh Cheema, an upcoming talent in pistol shooting, has been granted assistance for an 11-day training stint in Austria. This training is expected to provide him with invaluable exposure and experience, thereby preparing him for the high-pressure environment of the Olympics.

Table tennis players Sreeja Akula and Manika Batra have also been approved to play in multiple international tournaments. These tournaments will serve as an excellent platform for them to test their skills against some of the best players in the world.

Boxer Lovlina Borgohain, who has made a name for herself in international boxing circuits, will take part in the Grand Prix- Czech Republic International Tournament. This tournament will provide her with an opportunity to compete against top-notch boxers and gain valuable experience.

In addition to these athletes, the MOC has also approved overseas training camps for Paralympics-bound javelin throwers Ajeet Singh and Sandeep Choudhary. They will train in Germany under renowned coaches, which is expected to significantly enhance their performance in the upcoming Paralympics.

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