BCCI To Provide Rs 8.5 Crore To IOA For Paris Olympics

The Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Jay Shah on July 20 said that the BCCI will provide Rs 8.5 crore to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as a support for the Indian contingent. This will be representing the country at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

117 athletes represent India this year, 2024

Compared to the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, India will have marginally fewer athletes in Paris. The overall contingent size, though, will be bigger. This is because of the higher number of coaches and other support staff who will accompany the players in their bid for Olympic glory. On July 17, after the sports ministry cleared the full list, the Indian Olympic Association said 117 athletes will represent India at the Games, which begin in 8 days, on July 26.

67 support personnel staying inside the Games Village

In addition, there will be 140-strong support staff taking the final tally to 257. India’s contingent size for the delayed Tokyo Games was 228, including 121 athletes. In a letter addressed to Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports said that 67 support personnel will be staying inside the Games Village considering the permissible limit as per norms of the Paris Organising Committee. Beyond that, additional coaches and other support staff to the count of 72 have been approved at cost to the government, and they will stay at locations outside the Games Village.

Ratio between athletes and support staff

The obvious difference between Tokyo and Paris is the improved ratio between athletes and support staff, which Usha said was a conscious effort. “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,” said Usha in a statement on July 17.

Athletics and shooting

A quick glance at the confirmed list of support staff highlights a few aspects. Athletics and shooting, which account for a total of 50 athletes including reserves, also boast of the most supporting officials (35). In shooting alone, 18 officials are set to accompany a record-breaking contingent of 21 athletes. In wrestling’s case, a total of 12 staff members have been listed for the 6-member contingent.