Govt names 45 athletes under TOP scheme

New Delhi: Led by Beijing Olympics gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra, there are 17 shooters from among 45 athletes, who have been selected by the government for financial assistance under the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme. The government released the names of all the athletes under six disciplines and the amount it will spend on their training for their preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The total amount would be 30.075 crore, of which Rs.96.80 lakh has been released so far. Six shuttlers who have been named are London Olympics bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal, P V Sindhu, P Kashyap, K Srikanth, Guru Saidutt and H S Prannoy. According to a Sports Ministry release, doubles players Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa have also requested for their inclusion in the scheme. The ministry hinted that their names could be included later. “There is provision for periodic review of performance of sportspersons, who reach the prescribed benchmark, for induction in the Scheme,” the release said. The Sports Minister has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) which will contribute Rs.30 crore to the National Sports Development Fund for the TOP Scheme under government’s initiative for Corporate Social esponsibility (CSR).