India’s Olympic Preparations: A Roadmap to Success

As India’s athletes prepare to take part in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, a closer look at the country’s preparations reveals a significant shift in its approach to the mega event. The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), a team of specialists, has been working tirelessly to ensure that India’s athletes are well-equipped to compete at the highest level.

One of the most interesting aspects of India’s preparations is the temporary housing arrangement for the badminton team in Germany. A team of 12 specialists, including coaches and physios, are helping ace shuttler P V Sindhu in her quest for a third Olympic medal. The team is stationed in the German town of Saarbrucken, where Sindhu has been training since June 15. Her living quarters have been specially designed to ensure she remains fresh and relaxed, complete with a “bigger TV” and a lounge facility.

But it’s not just the living arrangements that are impressive. The MOC has also approved special feed for equestrian prospect Anush Agarwalla’s horse, along with equipment such as saddle pads, boots, and blankets. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has been provided with an iPad and high-speed cameras to aid her training.

The MOC, which includes former athletes, coaches, and officials from the federations and government, has approved 403 proposals from about 100 Paris hopefuls under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) since May 2023. The approved proposals cover a range of equipment, facilities, and customized training plans, from shoes to sunglasses, high-end sports watches to high-speed cameras, traditional equipment to cutting-edge technologies, and clothes, food, and supplements.

The expenditure under TOPS has increased significantly, with Rs 72 crore being spent during the three-year Olympic cycle from Tokyo in Covid-hit 2021 to Paris. This is almost double the amount spent during the Rio Olympics in 2016. While the expenditure may not be proportional to the final medal count, officials are optimistic that India could breach the double-digit mark for the first time in Paris.

The country’s athletes have been working hard to achieve this goal. For example, badminton ace Sindhu has been training with a mentor, chief coach, two assistant coaches, two physios, one strength and conditioning expert, and five sparring partners. Her room has been fitted with a “bigger TV” and a lounge facility to ensure she remains fresh and relaxed.

The level of preparation is evident in the case of Sindhu, who has been camping in Saarbrucken since June 15. She will be stationed there until July 20, when she will leave for Paris. To aid her recovery, her room has been fitted with an infrared sauna cabin. Fellow shuttler H S Prannoy has been provided funds to undergo Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and Red Light therapy to heal his body after punishing workouts.

The MOC’s efforts have also focused on recovery tools. Funds have been allotted for table tennis flag-bearer Sharath Kamal to undergo a slew of tests, including blood, genetic, and bone density scans. Two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen has been provided with a laser unit to aid her recovery.

In contrast to the past, India’s sports bureaucracy has made significant progress. In 2016, athlete Dutee Chand had to rely on private sponsors to buy running shoes, while shooter Abhinav Bindra had to rely on his private sponsors to hire a foreign coach and train abroad leading up to the Games.

India’s Olympic preparations are a testament to the country’s growing commitment to sports. With the country’s athletes working hard to achieve success, it will be interesting to see how they perform in Paris.

Historical Context:

The article highlights India’s preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, which is a significant event in the world of sports. The Olympic Games have a rich history dating back to 1896, and India has been participating in the games since 1900. However, India’s performance in the Olympics has been inconsistent, with the country winning a total of 28 medals, including 9 gold medals, in the history of the games.

In recent years, India’s Olympic preparations have been marked by a lack of focus and resources, which has resulted in the country’s athletes struggling to make an impact at the games. However, with the establishment of the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), India’s sports bureaucracy has made significant progress in recent years.

The MOC was set up in 2017 with the aim of improving India’s performance in the Olympics. The cell is responsible for providing support to Indian athletes, including funding, equipment, and training facilities. The TOPS scheme was launched in 2014 to provide financial support to Indian athletes who have the potential to win medals at the Olympics.

The article highlights the efforts of the MOC and TOPS in preparing India’s athletes for the Paris Olympics. The cell has approved 403 proposals from about 100 Paris hopefuls under the TOPS scheme, which covers a range of equipment, facilities, and customized training plans. The expenditure under TOPS has increased significantly, with Rs 72 crore being spent during the three-year Olympic cycle from Tokyo in Covid-hit 2021 to Paris.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• India’s Olympic preparations are a significant shift in the country’s approach to the mega event, with the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) working tirelessly to ensure that Indian athletes are well-equipped to compete at the highest level. • The MOC has approved 403 proposals from about 100 Paris hopefuls under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which covers a range of equipment, facilities, and customized training plans. • The expenditure under TOPS has increased significantly, with Rs 72 crore being spent during the three-year Olympic cycle from Tokyo in Covid-hit 2021 to Paris. • India’s athletes have been working hard to achieve success, with badminton ace P V Sindhu training with a mentor, chief coach, two assistant coaches, two physios, one strength and conditioning expert, and five sparring partners. • The MOC’s efforts have also focused on recovery tools, with funds allotted for table tennis flag-bearer Sharath Kamal to undergo a slew of tests, including blood, genetic, and bone density scans. • Two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen has been provided with a laser unit to aid her recovery. • India’s sports bureaucracy has made significant progress, with the country’s athletes no longer relying on private sponsors for equipment and training facilities. • The country’s athletes are working hard to achieve success, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in Paris.