Indian Athletes Gear Up for Paris Olympics with MOC-Approved Training Plans

The Sports Ministry has approved a comprehensive training plan for several elite Indian athletes in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has sanctioned proposals for Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat, and a host of other athletes across various disciplines.

Chopra, who made history as India's first track and field Olympic medalist in Tokyo, will embark on a 60-day training stint in Europe from May 29 to July 28. Accompanied by coach Klaus Bartonietz and physio Ishaan Marwaha, he will train at various venues across the continent. The financial assistance under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) will cover expenses such as airfare, accommodation, meals, medical insurance, and local transport.

Vinesh Phogat, who will compete in the 50kg division in Paris, has received approval for the inclusion of strength and conditioning coach Wayne Patrick Lombard in her international training camp in Hungary from June 10 to 21. She will also participate in the United World Wrestling 2nd Ranking Series - Polyák Imre & Varga János Memorial from June 6 to 9 in Budapest.

Long jumper Shaili Singh's request to extend her training camp in Europe to June 23 has been granted. She will train in Lisbon, Paris, Athens, and Geneva under the guidance of coach Bobby George.

Shotgun shooters Rajeshwari Kumari and Maheshwari Chauhan have been permitted to take their personal coaches to a training camp in Italy in June. Rajeshwari's coach David Kostelecky will accompany her from June 1 to 14, while Maheshwari's coach Riccardo Fillipelli will train her from May 31 to June 11.

Badminton bronze medalist HS Prannoy has received financial assistance to engage trainer Rohan George Mathews on a full-time basis from June 20 to July 22 in Hyderabad. He will also utilize the services of a center that provides recovery products such as Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and Red Light therapy.

Other athletes who have received MOC approval include recurve archer Atanu Das, sailor Vishnu Sarvanan, and para powerlifter Ashok.

The Sports Ministry's support for these athletes underscores its commitment to providing them with the necessary resources to excel on the international stage and bring glory to India at the Paris Olympics.

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