Sports Ministry Sanctions Grant for Participants of Winter Olympics Games from National Sports Development Fund

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have sanctioned a grant of Rs 10,52,000.00 (Rupees Ten Lacs fifty two thousand only) from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for purchase of sports equipments, Ski, Ski Boots and other essential items for the participants of Winter Olympics Games 2014 at Sochi (Russia) in the disciplines of Alpine Skiing and Cross- Country Skiing. 

This was decided at a meeting of the Executive Committee of NSDF held in New Delhi last week. Although such assistance is not normally given from NSDF, the Executive Committee decided to extend the assistance as a special case in view of the importance of the event. 

Three sportspersons namely S/Shri Shiva Keshavan (Luge), Himanshu Thakur (Alpine Skiing) and Nadeem Iqbal (Alpine Skiing) from India have qualified for participation in Sochi Winter Olympics commencing from 7th February 2014. 

The grant from NSDF is in addition to the assistance for sports kit, air fare, accommodation etc. already sanctioned for the participants of the Winter Olympics Games. 

It may be recalled that in a meeting chaired by the Minister of State ( Independent Charge), Shri Jitendra Singh on 15th January, 2014 it was decided to provide assistance for participation of Indian sportspersons in the Winter Olympics. 

Earlier Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has also sanctioned financial assistance of about Rs 34.00 Lacs to Shri Shiva Keshavan for training for preparation of Winter Olympics.