The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has greenlit proposals from athletes Jyothi Yarraji and Shaili Singh in their quest to qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. During its 134th meeting, the MOC approved financial assistance for the athletes to participate in multiple competitions across Europe, aimed at either meeting qualification standards or accruing crucial ranking points for the Olympics.
Jyothi Yarraji has proposed competing in six international events in Europe, while Shaili Singh aims to participate in four events during May and June. Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding, the MOC will cover various expenses including airfare, visa costs, accommodation charges, local transport, medical insurance, and other expenditures.
Additionally, proposals from badminton players Kiran George, Ayush Shetty, and Rakshitha Sree were also approved. Kiran intends to compete in the Malaysia Masters, while Ayush seeks assistance for tournaments in Thailand and Malaysia. Rakshitha will participate in events in Denmark and Slovenia. TOPS funding will support their travel, accommodation, insurance coverage, and visa expenses.
Table tennis players Manav Thakkar and Archana Kamath have also received approval to compete in WTT Contender events in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and Mendoza, Argentina, with TOPS covering their airfare, hospitality package costs, and visa fees.
Furthermore, skeet shooter Anantjeet Singh Naruka’s proposal to train in Italy with personal coach Ennio Falco ahead of the World Cup events in Baku and Lonato was approved. The training period will span 20 days, with TOPS covering coaching fees, boarding, lodging, local transportation, and expenditure for ammunition and clay targets.
In a notable development, badminton player Ashwani Ponnappa, shooter Maheshwari Chauhan, and rower Balraj Panwar have been inducted into the TOPS Core group. Additionally, Ashwani’s doubles partner Tanisha Crasto has been promoted from the Development to Core group in preparation for the Paris Olympics.
