Rs.3.57 crore spent on boxers' Olympics preparations

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The union sports ministry has so far spent Rs.3.57 crore on the training and foreign exposure of boxers under Operation Excellence for London Olympics 2012 (OPEX 2012) scheme.

Of this, Rs. 2.48 crore was spent on conducting national coaching camps for training 58 boxers (40 men and 18 women), who were aided by 19 coaches (including one foreign coach) and seven supporting personnel. The remaining amount of Rs.1.09 crore was utilised on providing foreign exposure to boxers.

Four camps each were conducted for men and women pugilists of duration of 231 days and 178 days respectively till December 2011. The training began in March, 2011, in order to optimise India's chances to win multiple medals in the games. Also, international exposure was provided to 14 boxers (9 men and 5 women) in order to enhance their chances in London Olympics.

Four boxers have booked their berth for London Olympics. They are Devendro Singh (49 kg), Jai Bhagwan (60 kg), Manoj Kumar (64 kg) and Vikash Krishan (69 kg). Two qualification events for the Olympics still remain - one each for men and women boxers -- and the Indian contingent is hopeful of securing more berths.