Sports Ministry approves financial assistance for shooter Rajeshwari Kumari ahead of Paris Olympics 2024
India's women's trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari has received a significant boost ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, with the Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) approving her request for financial assistance. The approval, announced on Monday, June 24, includes support for Rajeshwari's training with her coach, David Kostelecky, in the Czech Republic as she prepares for the Summer Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.
In addition to training in the Czech Republic, the MOC will cover expenses for Rajeshwari Kumari's training camps scheduled to take place in Lonato and Cernay. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance India's prospects at the Paris Olympics, aiming to build on the country's historic performances in previous Games.
Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Rajeshwari Kumari's personal expenditures, including flights, shooting consumables, boarding, lodging, and local transport, will also be covered. This comprehensive support is designed to ensure that she gets to prepare for the Games in the best possible manner.
Rajeshwari Kumari secured her place in the Paris Olympics 2024 by finishing fifth in the women's trap final at the ISSF World Championship 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Although she narrowly missed out on a medal, her performance was sufficient to earn her an Olympic quota. She is only the second Indian woman trap shooter, after Shagun Chowdhary, to achieve this milestone.
MOC grants additional support to other Indian athletes
The MOC also approved rehabilitation needs and costs for long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, who had qualified for the Paris Olympics but was later ruled out due to a knee injury. Sreeshankar recently underwent knee surgery and will receive a specialized 28-day rehabilitation program in Doha, funded by TOPS. The package includes airfare, accommodation, rehabilitation assessment, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy.
MOC also granted financial support to shooters Anish Bhanwala and Vijayveer Sidhu to participate in the Rapid Fire Cup in Suhl, Germany, in July. This competition is part of their preparation for upcoming major international tournaments.
In addition, badminton players Sankar Muthusamy, Ayush Shetty, and Anupama Upadhaya will receive financial backing for competitive exposure, ensuring they are well-prepared for their respective international challenges.