SAI support for London hopefuls

Top names preparing for the London Olympics have received a shot in the arm. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has short-listed 40 players from different disciplines and will fund their advanced training programme.

Top names preparing for the London Olympics have received a shot in the arm. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has short-listed 40 players from different disciplines and will fund their advanced training programme.

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Named 'Olympic Hopeful', SAI director general, Desh Deepak Verma, said the project, approved by the sports ministry, will provide financial assistance to players who have achieved the Olympic qualification mark and those in line to qualify for the mega event.

Under the scheme, players will get financial assistance to hire a coach, train abroad and purchase modern equipment for training.

Verma said the London hopefuls had been asked to send in detailed training plans and the expenditure they expect to incur. "The proposals will be reviewed and the players will be given funds to polish their skills," he said.

Foreign exposure
Under the plan, SAI has already has given financial assistance to Mayookha Johny (triple/long jump) to train in Berlin. A group of wrestlers, which includes Sushil Kumar, have sent in a proposal to train at Colorado Springs in the US, and it is being reviewed.

Currently, nine shooters and seven track and field athletes are among those in the pool of Olympic hopefuls.