With a view to prepare athletes and teams for London Olympics 2012 the Ministry had launched ‘Operation Excellence for London Olympics 2012’ (OPEX 2012) project in March, 2011. This was stated by Shri Ajay Maken, Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports, in the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Shyamal Chakaborty. The Sports Minister also stated that no athletes missed out of Olympics qualifier for lack of funds and official apathy.
He further informed that under OPEX 2012, core probables were identified and were provided comprehensive and intensive training, both within country and aboard and competition exposure in international sports competitions as per the approved Annual Calendar of Training and Competition (ACTC) under OPEX 2012. The Minister further stated that funding was provided from the Scheme “Assistance to National Sports Federations” and the National Sports Development Fund. Under these schemes approximately an amount of Rs. 142.43 Crore has been spent on preparation of athletes for London Olympics, 2012 till 25.07.2012. The details in this regards are given below:-
S.No | Purpose | Expenditure incurred |
1. | Coaching Camp | Rs. 61.56 Crore |
2. | Foreign Exposure | Rs. 70.55 Crore |
3. | Assistance under NSDF | Rs 10.32 Crore |
Grand Total | Rs. 142.43 Crore |