Indian Team for London Olympics 2012 would be comprised of 142 people including 81 athletes and 36 coaches.
While approving the Indian contingent, the ministry said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the national sports federations (NSFs) would have included the support staff such as coaches, doctors, managers and officials keeping in mind the best of national interests.
The contingent includes 81 athletes who will participate in 13 sports disciplines. The contingent also includes 36 coaches, four managers, eight medical staff, six “P” category officials and seven contingent officials.
Meanwhile, Sushil Kumar, the flag-bearer of Indian delegations, is left with no choice but to pay for national team physiotherapist Arvinderpal Singh’s ticket to London and also take care of his boarding and lodging because the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) feel officials and managers are more important than masseurs and physios.
Arvinderpal was with Sushil when he became the first Indian to win the world title in 2010. The physio was by Sushil’s side when he also won the Asian championship and Commonwealth Games gold. “He has always been a great help and has full knowledge of our injuries and niggles. Over a period of time, we have developed faith in each others’ abilities,” said Sushil.
“Now, the least the WFI and IOA can do is to give Arvinderpal a letter stating that his services are required in London, so that he has no problem getting the necessary visa on time,†said Sushil.
The London Games will be held from July 27 to August 12.