NSFs advised to Identify Medal Prospects for 2020 Olympics by November-End

NEW DELHI (INDIA): Department of Sports has advised National Sports Federations (NSFs) to identify medal prospects and their support staff for the 2020 Olympic Games by 30th November 2016. This is to ensure that the core probable get support of dedicated world class support staff on a continuing basis to be able to work as a coherent team and deliver.nnThis action of the Department of Sports, approved by the Union Minister of Sports (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Vijay Goel, is intended to give a head-start to the country?s preparations for Olympics, 2020.nnThe Department has further advised NSFs to prepare the programme of training and exposures of the medal prospects for the year 2017.nnThe NSFs should approach the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for any financial assistance required under the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme.nnThere will be a six monthly review of the performance of the athletes and support staff for inclusion/ exclusion in the list of core probable and their support staff.nnThe department has advised the NSFs to carry out the exercise of selection and review with total transparency and put up details of the same on their website as a part of suo moto disclosure.nnIn respect of the sports discipline(s) in which NSFs are suspended / not recognised by MYAS, this exercise is to be undertaken by Sports Authority of India (SAI) namely Archery, Gymnastics, Judo, Tennis.