New Delhi: As the world gears up for the much-anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics, the Indian sporting spirit is set to shine brightly with a generous boost from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Jay Shah, Secretary of BCCI, announced that the board will donate Rs 8.5 crore to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The contribution aims to support the Indian contingent competing in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.“I am proud to announce that the @BCCI will be supporting our incredible athletes representing #India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We are providing INR 8.5 Crores to the IOA for the campaign. To our entire contingent, we wish you the very best. Make India proud! Jai Hind!” Shah shared on the social media platform X.I am proud to announce that the @BCCI will be supporting our incredible athletes representing #India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We are providing INR 8.5 Crores to the IOA for the campaign.To our entire contingent, we wish you the very best. Make India proud! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳…— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 21, 2024Lesser athletes than Tokyo OlympicsIndias participation in the Paris Olympics will see a slight reduction in the number of athletes compared to the Tokyo Games three years ago. However, the overall size of the Indian contingent will be larger due to the increased number of coaches and support staff accompanying the athletes. The Indian Olympic Association confirmed that 117 athletes will represent India at the Games, which commence on July 26. Additionally, a 140-strong support team will be present, bringing the total contingent size to 257. In contrast, Indias team for the Tokyo Games comprised 228 members, including 121 athletes.Enhanced support staffThe Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has outlined the composition of the support staff. A total of 67 support personnel will be housed inside the Games Village, adhering to the Paris Organising Committees guidelines. An additional 72 coaches and support staff will stay at locations outside the village, funded by the government.PT Usha, Chief of the Indian Olympic Association stated, Instead of the usual 3:1 ratio between athletes and support staff, we have worked hard to achieve a slightly better than 1:1 ratio.
