The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to contribute Rs 8.5 crore to support the Indian contingent at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah made this announcement on Sunday, expressing pride in aiding the athletes representing India.
Jay Shah's Statement:
“I am proud to announce that the BCCI will be supporting our incredible athletes representing India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We are providing INR 8.5 Crores to the IOA for the campaign. To our entire contingent, we wish you the very best. Make India proud! Jai Hind!”
This financial support comes as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) prepares to send 117 athletes to compete in Paris, with the Games set to begin on July 26, 2024. The overall contingent, including support staff, will total 257 members.
For the Tokyo Olympics, India had a contingent size of 228, including 121 athletes. In Paris, the number of athletes is slightly lower, but the overall size is larger due to an increase in coaches and support staff.
Support Staff Details:
- Total Support Staff: 140
- Inside Games Village: 67
- Outside Games Village: 72 (government-funded)
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports emphasised the effort to improve the ratio between athletes and support staff. Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha stated:
“Instead of the usual 3:1 ratio between athletes and support staff, we have worked hard to change it to slightly better than 1:1 ratio.”
Notable Support Staff Allocation:
- Athletics and Shooting: 50 athletes (35 support staff)
- Shooting Alone: 21 athletes (18 support staff)
- Wrestling: 6 athletes (12 support staff)
This improved ratio is aimed at providing better support and ensuring the athletes have all the resources they need for optimal performance.
The BCCI's contribution reflects the growing support for Olympic sports in India, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure the country's athletes have the best possible chance to succeed at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a well-supported team, India aims to enhance its performance on the global stage.