Temporary House in Germany, Special Horse Feed: How Olympic Cell Paved Road to Paris

As India’s athletes prepare to take off for the Olympic Games in Paris, a look back at the three-year journey of the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) reveals a tale of meticulous planning and unprecedented investment. The MOC, comprising former athletes, coaches, and officials, has been working tirelessly to ensure India’s athletes are well-equipped to take on the world’s best.

From a team of 12 specialists helping badminton ace P V Sindhu in Germany to special horse feed for equestrian prospect Anush Agarwalla’s horse, the MOC has spared no expense in providing the best possible support to India’s Paris hopefuls. The cell has approved 403 proposals worth Rs 72 crore under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), almost double the amount spent on Rio 2016.

The proposals cover a wide range of equipment, facilities, and customized training plans, including shoes, sunglasses, high-end sports watches, and cutting-edge technologies. While the expenditure may not be directly proportional to the final medal count, officials are optimistic that India could breach the double-digit mark for the first time in Paris.

The Athletics Federation of India has estimated two medals, while boxing, badminton, archery, and weightlifting have predicted one medal each. In Tokyo, India won seven medals, including a historic gold in track and field from Neeraj Chopra.

The level of preparation is evident in Sindhu’s case, who has been camping in Germany since June 15 with a team of mentors, coaches, physios, and sparring partners. Her room has been fitted with a bigger TV, and a lounge facility has been created for relaxation and meetings. Sindhu will be stationed in Germany until July 20, when she will leave for Paris.

Other athletes have also received special treatment, including Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and Red Light therapy for badminton player H S Prannoy, and a laser unit for boxer Nikhat Zareen. These expenses were split three ways, with the government, Olympic Gold Quest, and the athletes themselves contributing.

In stark contrast to the past, when athletes had to rely on private sponsors or struggle to get basic equipment, the MOC’s efforts have brought a new level of professionalism to Indian sports. The cell’s work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between India and global sporting standards.

For instance, in 2016, sprinter Dutee Chand had to wait until two weeks before the Rio Olympics to receive funding for running shoes, while boxer Mary Kom had to rely on private sponsors to hire a foreign coach. Shooter Abhinav Bindra has spoken about his disillusionment when he met Sports Ministry officials in 2006 to request funds for coaching and equipment.

The MOC’s efforts have paid off, and India’s athletes are now better equipped than ever to take on the world. As the country’s sports ecosystem continues to evolve, the MOC’s work will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian sports.

Historical Context:

The article mentions the Rio 2016 Olympics, where India won a total of 2 medals. It also references the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where India won 7 medals, including a historic gold in track and field from Neeraj Chopra. Additionally, the article mentions the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) being established to support Indian athletes in their preparation for the Paris Olympics.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has been working for three years to support Indian athletes in their preparation for the Paris Olympics, with a team of 12 specialists helping athletes like P V Sindhu in Germany. • The MOC has approved 403 proposals worth Rs 72 crore under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), almost double the amount spent on Rio 2016. • The proposals cover a wide range of equipment, facilities, and customized training plans, including shoes, sunglasses, high-end sports watches, and cutting-edge technologies. • The Athletics Federation of India estimates two medals, while boxing, badminton, archery, and weightlifting predict one medal each. • The level of preparation is evident in Sindhu’s case, who has been camping in Germany since June 15 with a team of mentors, coaches, physios, and sparring partners. • Other athletes have received special treatment, including Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and Red Light therapy for badminton player H S Prannoy, and a laser unit for boxer Nikhat Zareen. • The MOC’s efforts have brought a new level of professionalism to Indian sports, bridging the gap between India and global sporting standards. • In contrast to the past, when athletes had to rely on private sponsors or struggle to get basic equipment, the MOC’s efforts have made a significant difference. • The MOC’s work has paid off, and India’s athletes are now better equipped than ever to take on the world. • The MOC’s efforts will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian sports as the country’s sports ecosystem continues to evolve.