SAI clears proposals worth Rs 57 lakh for TOPS athletes in five sports

The Sports Authority of India Monday approved financial proposals to the tune of Rs 57 lakh for elite athletes of five sporting disciplines under in its Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

The sporting disciplines which will benefit are athletics, table tennis, wrestling, para-athletics and shooting.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the SAI's Mission Olympic Cell, chaired by its director general Neelam Kapur here Monday.

In athletics middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson, discuss thrower Seema Punia and triple jumper Arpinder Singh were the beneficiaries.

"The committee has approved a year-long training programme for middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson in USA under coach Scott Simons. The training will be till the Tokyo Olympics," a SAI statement read.

"The committee also sanctioned the reimbursement of fees for discus thrower Seema Punia's coach and fitness trainer for the support provided during the time of the Asian Games in 2018, along with the cost of medical treatment ..