The Sports Ministry has granted approval for a foreign training camp for two athletes, Mirabai Chanu and Bindyarani Devi, who are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme. In preparation for the Asian Games, both athletes will travel to the United States. This decision was made during the recent meeting of the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).
Mirabai Chanu, an Olympic medallist, and Bindyarani Devi, a Commonwealth Games medal winner, will undergo training at SQUAT University in St. Louis. They will be under the guidance of Dr Aron Horschig, focusing on their rehabilitation and strength training to enhance their performance leading up to the Asian Games.
The announcement was even shared on the official Twitter handle of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). "MOC approves a 65 days long training camp for CWG Medalists @mirabai_chanu & @BindyaraniS at St. Louis, 🇺🇸 with Dr. Aaron Horschig. #TOPSchemeAthletes will be training at @SquatUniversity to prepare for the all important #AsianGames2022," the tweet wrote.
During their 65-day training camp abroad, the athletes will be accompanied by Indian chief coach Vijay Sharma and their physiotherapist Tesneem Zayyad. The government will provide financial support for various aspects of their training, including air travel expenses, accommodation, medical insurance, local transportation, gym facilities, and consultation with doctors.
This initiative reflects the government's commitment to supporting elite athletes and ensuring they have the necessary resources and opportunities to excel in international competitions.
Earlier, Chanu along with other leading sporting personalities from Manipur, had appealed to the Home Minister to ensure that peace is restores in the violence-hit Northeastern State. Notably, an ethnic clash between the Meitei people in the state has seen more than 70 deaths already.
(With Inputs From PTI)