As the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympics inch closer, India’s top athletes are taking their training to the global stage. In a bid to achieve peak performance, many have opted to train abroad, seeking superior facilities and ideal weather conditions.
Why Train overseas for Paris 2024?
Training in their home country presents challenges. The harsh Indian summer and unpredictable monsoon season can disrupt training schedules.
Additionally, the immense expectations from their nation add another layer of pressure. By training overseas, athletes can focus solely on their development in a supportive environment.
TOPS Scheme provides financial backing
Recognizing the importance of overseas training, India’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has allocated significant funds through its Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). As of December 2023, a staggering INR 17.9 crore has been dedicated to training athletes across various disciplines as per TOI.
Investment breakdown by discipline
The financial breakdown under TOPS reveals a focus on specific sports. Athletics received the highest allocation (INR 6.25 crore), followed by Badminton (INR 5.77 crore), Shooting (INR 3.83 crore), and Tennis (INR 1.57 crore).
Para sports also received support, with INR 1.17 crore allotted for their training needs. The remaining INR 1.75 crore was divided among Wrestling, Weightlifting, Boxing, Archery, Swimming, and Equestrian.
Glimpse into Overseas Training Locations
Several prominent athletes have established their training bases abroad. Here’s a look at some examples and the corresponding investments made:
- Avinash Sable, Parul Chaudhary & Harmilan Bains (Athletics): Colorado Springs (USA) – INR 1.79 crore (107 days)
- Neeraj Chopra (Athletics): South Africa, Finland, Germany & Turkiye – INR 48.76 lakh (176 days)
- Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting): St. Louis (USA) – INR 42.54 lakh (65 days)
- Nishad Kumar & Mariyappan Thangavelu (Para Athletics): Chula Vista (USA) – INR.39.83 lakh (75 days)
- Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling): Rotational camps across Bulgaria, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Spain & France – INR.33.07 lakh (97 days)
- PV Sindhu (Badminton): Germany – INR.26.60 lakh (36 days)
- Lakshya Sen (Badminton): Marseille (France) – INR.9.33 lakh (14 days)
- Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing): Czech Republic – INR.4.41 lakh (6 days)
- Rohan Bopanna (Tennis): Rotational camps across USA, Monaco, Spain, Italy, France & UK – INR.1.03 crore (181 days)
Global Training Network emerges for Olympics
The report reveals that the USA is the most popular training destination, hosting 29 Indian athletes. France, Spain, and Germany each house 7 athletes, while Italy accommodates 4. Other training locations include Hungary, Australia, South Korea, the UK, South Africa, Turkey, and Monaco.
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Promising picture for Paris 2024
With the Olympics just around the corner, India’s focus remains on securing a significant medal haul. The substantial investment in the TOPS scheme and the dedication of athletes to train overseas paint a promising picture for India’s performance at the upcoming Paris Games.
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