To bolster their preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Indian badminton stars Lakshya Sen and P.V. Sindhu have received approval from the Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) for foreign training stints in France and Germany, respectively. This move is part of the Ministry’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which aims to support elite athletes in their quest for Olympic success.
Lakshya Sen’s Training in France
Lakshya Sen, a prominent contender in the men’s singles badminton event, has been granted financial aid for a 12-day intensive training session in Marseille, France. Scheduled from July 8 to 21, Sen will train at The Halle des Sports Parsemain. He will be accompanied by his coach and support staff to ensure he receives comprehensive preparation for the Olympics.
P.V. Sindhu’s Training in Germany
P.V. Sindhu, who will compete in the women’s singles event, proposed a training plan in Saarbrucken, Germany. She will be practicing at the renowned Hermann-Neuberger Sportschule for over a month. This extended period of preparation will allow Sindhu and her team to refine their strategies and techniques before heading to Paris Olympics.
Comprehensive Support from MOC
The Mission Olympics Cell has approved the funding for both shuttlers, covering their airfare, accommodation, local transportation, visa fees, and shuttlecock expenses. This financial backing is aimed at ensuring that both athletes have access to top-notch training facilities and can focus solely on their preparation.
Additional Approvals for Other Athletes
In the same meeting, the MOC
- Sreeja Akula (Table Tennis) and Tisha Punia (Archery) received support for procuring essential equipment.
- Aditi Ashok (Golf) and Aryan Nehra (Swimming) were granted assistance for travel to various competitions. Specifically, TOPS will cover their airfare, accommodation, and local transportation costs, along with Aryan’s equipment needs and Aditi’s caddy fees.
New Inductions and Promotions
The MOC also made significant additions and promotions within the TOPS Core group:
- Harmeet Desai (Table Tennis) and the Women’s 4×400 Relay Team have been included in the TOPS Core group.
- Wrestlers Nisha (68kg category) and Reetika (76kg category) have been promoted to the Core group, reflecting their promising potential and recent performances.
Future Focus on Golf
Looking ahead to the 2028 and 2032 Olympics in Los Angeles and Brisbane, the MOC has inducted Kartik Singh, an emerging talent in golf, into the TOPS Development group. This inclusion aims to provide him with the necessary support and resources to develop his skills for future Olympic Games.
The Sports Ministry’s proactive approach in providing financial and logistical support to top athletes like Lakshya Sen and P.V. Sindhu underscores India’s commitment to achieving excellence at the Olympic Games. With targeted assistance under the TOPS scheme, these athletes are well-equipped to enhance their performance and bring glory to the nation at the Paris Olympics.
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