Sochi Olympics: Sports ministry sanctions Rs 10 lakhs for athletes

The Sports Ministry has sanctioned a grant of Rs 10,52,000 for purchase of sports equipments and other essential items for the participants of Winter Olympics Games at Sochi, Russia. (Also read: N Srinivasan's brother set to be next IOA chief)

"The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have sanctioned a grant of Rs 10,52,000.00 (Rupees Ten Lakhs fifty two thousand only) from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for purchase of sports equipments, Ski, Ski Boots and other essential items for the participants of Winter Olympics Games 2014 at Sochi (Russia) in the disciplines of Alpine Skiing and Cross- Country Skiing," the Ministry said in a release. (Related: US athletes cautioned on team gear outside Olympic venues)

"This was decided at a meeting of the Executive Committee of NSDF held in New Delhi last week. Although such assistance is not normally given from NSDF, the Executive Committee decided to extend the assistance as a special case in view of the importance of the event."

"The grant from NSDF is in addition to the assistance for sports kit, air fare, accommodation etc. already sanctioned for the participants of the Winter Olympics Games."

Three sportspersons namely Shiva Keshavan (Luge), Himanshu Thakur (Alpine Skiing) and Nadeem Iqbal (Alpine Skiing) have qualified from India to participate in Sochi Winter Olympics commencing from February 7. (Russia downplays security threat)

In a meeting on January 15 chaired by the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Jitendra Singh had decided to provide assistance for participation of Indian sportspersons in the Winter Olympics.

Earlier, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports had also sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 34 lacs to Keshavan for training and preparation for the Winter Olympics.