NEW DELHI, Jul 18: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today said it won’t be possible to strictly follow the 40 per cent cap on the coaching and support staff and they will try to accommodate the requests of as many athletes possible with priority being given to medal hopefuls at Rio.
“Well, it won’t be possible to stick to the 40 percent cap strictly. The idea will be to maintain a balance and ensure that the requirements of all the medal prospect athletes and federation is taken care of,” said Rakesh Gupta, chef De mission of Indian Olympic contingent.
Many federations have demanded for a huge number of coaching and support staff, including AITA, who asked for 4 while Hockey India had requested for eight coaching and support staff each for the men and women’s national teams.
“AITA has asked for 4 support staff but IOA have given them three so far,” Gupta said.
“Badminton has asked for six coaching staff, which looks impossible so we are trying to give 3 but it is not final. We have to see what we can do. We need to look into the medal chances and try to strike a balance.”
Rio-bound tennis star Sania Mirza had asked for her mother Nasima Mirza, who is the women’s team manager, to also travel with the players. The other woman tennis player is Sania’s doubles partner Prarthana Thombare.
Gupta said:”It was a request from the federation to accommodate Nasima Mirza in the team and we have accepted. Similarly Vikas Gowda’s father has been his coach and he too will be part of the team.”
IOA President N Ramachandran said: “We will issue the accreditation only to 40 percent coaching staff but beyond that we can only help in getting the visas.”
Talking about the roadmap for IOA, Ramachandran said: “It is our aim to become independent financially and not depend on the government for everything. We want to follow the footsteps of the US Olympic committee and raise enough funds and give it to the federations for the development of the games. That is our ultimate goal.” (PTI)
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