Over 300 athletes fail to furnish bills worth ₹8cr, SAI contemplates action
New Delhi: Over 300 elite athletes, including Olympic medallists, failed to furnish their travel bills to the tune of ₹8cr in the recently-concluded Paris Olympics cycle, irking the sports ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI). The matter came to light following SAI's financial audit and came up for discussion on Wednesday in Mission Olympics Cell's (MOC) meeting.
A number of MOC members, it has been learned, proposed penal action against defaulters, including deductions from athletes' Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA) -- which is a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 -- and cash rewards given by the government.
A total of 315 athletes are yet to submit their expenses amounting to ₹8,78,27,962. Some of the prominent athletes whose names came up for discussion include weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, badminton ace Saina Nehwal, and sprinter Hima Das.
Chanu, a senior SAI official said, is yet to produce invoices worth ₹88,88,028 dating back three years. In this period, she and national coach Vijay Sharma made multiple training trips to St Louis in USA where the Tokyo silver medallist trained under Dr Aaron Horschig.
Vinesh Phogat, who agonisingly lost out on a certain medal after failing to make weight ahead of her 50kg final, hasn't produced bills worth ₹42,22,089 dating back two years while Tokyo bronze medallist Bajrang Punia's outstanding invoices are worth ₹12,53,161 over two years.
Saina, another official privy to the meeting said, hasn't given bills worth ₹5,07,555 since 2022 while Hima Das hasn't submitted her invoices in four years, amounting to ₹1,44,404.
While Chanu is still an active athlete, Phogat announced her retirement post Olympics while Punia is currently serving a doping suspension and former world No.1 Saina last competed in Singapore Open 2023. Out of 315 sportspersons, 146 are currently covered by TOPS while 169 are ex TOPS athletes.
'It has been observed that a lot of our athletes haven't furnished their bills going back years even though they are supposed to send their invoices within15 days of their return. Every athlete has a dedicated Athlete Relationship Manager (ARM) who is supposed to take care of these things. Some ARMs have told us that despite several reminders, the athletes haven't forwarded them their bills,' an official said.
'We have sent them multiple reminders by way of emails and phone calls but some athletes didn't even take our calls. The MOC members were certain that some action needs to be taken, but there hasn't been a decision yet,' the official said.
Compound archers added
The MOC also included seven compound archers in TOPS core group following sport's inclusion (mixed team event) in 2028 Los Angeles Games. These include Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami, Ojas Deotale, Abhishek Verma, Parneet Kaur, Priyansh, and Prathmesh Jawkar.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
NBA working on plan for US-vs.-world format at All-Star Game next season, AP source says
OKLAHOMA CITY — The NBA is working on a plan to turn next season's All-Star Game into a U.S.-vs.-world competition, a person with knowledge of the situation said Wednesday. It remains unclear how the format will work, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league has not made any final determinations. Speaking to Fox Sports 1 earlier Wednesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver — who has talked about such a game on multiple occasions — was asked if U.S. vs. the world is possible. 'Yes,' Silver said. Silver addressed the idea on March 27 as well at the league's most recent board of governors meeting, when he revealed that the NBA was scrapping the All-Star mini-tournament format that was used this season. At that time, the reported that the 2026 game — to be played Feb. 15 in Inglewood, California, just past the midpoint of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics — will be moved from its traditional prime-time Sunday night slot to one that starts on Sunday afternoon. That's happening because the game will be aired on NBC under the terms of the new 11-year media rights deals that kick in next season. NBC is also the Olympic broadcaster in the U.S. So, NBC could show Olympic events in the morning and early afternoon, then the All-Star Game, then have prime-time Olympic programming. The move comes on the heels of a popular tournament, the 4 Nations Face-off, that essentially took the place of the NHL All-Star Game this year, as well as strong competition at the Paris Olympics, where the Americans won a fifth consecutive gold medal by rallying past Nikola Jokic and Serbia in the semifinals, then topping host France and Victor Wembanyama in the title game — behind a barrage of late 3-pointers from Stephen Curry. 'What better time to feature some form of USA against the world?' Silver said on FS1. 'I'm not exactly sure what the format will be yet. I obviously paid a lot of attention to what the NHL did, which was a huge success. ... But also, going back, last summer, our Olympic competition was a huge success.' There is one big challenge regarding any U.S.-vs.-world format. About 70% of NBA players are American, while 30% are international, so it would in theory be easier for an international player to make the All-Star team — if the rosters are the same size. International players, when asked at this year's All-Star Game if they would want a U.S.-vs.-world matchup, sounded enthusiastic. 'I would love to. My opinion is that it's more purposeful,' Wembanyama said back in February. 'There's more pride in it. More stakes.' Added Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who's from Greece: 'I would love that. Oh, I would love that. I think that would be the most interesting and most exciting format. I would love that. For sure, I'd take pride in that. I always compete, but I think that will give me a little bit more extra juice to compete.' The latest format for the All-Star Game — a four-team, three-game mini-tournament in San Francisco with the first team to 40 points winning each — was a miss. It came after years of the league asking players for a more competitive game. The 211-186 final score at Indianapolis in 2024 was the last straw, and the league — for one year, anyway — thought the tournament was the answer. NBA: /hub/NBA
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
5 audiobooks to keep you running even when your legs say stop
Running is not just a test of endurance, it is a journey of the mind. Whether you are chasing a marathon PR, struggling to stay consistent, or simply seeking motivation to lace up, the right audiobook can push you past mental roadblocks and keep your feet moving. To celebrate Global Running Day, which falls on the first Wednesday of June, we've curated a list of the best audiobooks for runners. From inspiring memoirs to practical training insights, these titles go beyond the miles—offering fuel for the body, mind, and spirit. Whether you're on a long run or a quick jog, these stories will keep pace with you. The celebrated Japanese novelist reflects on how over 40 years of running (he started in 1982) shaped his creative process and philosophy. Murakami connects marathon training to writing discipline, exploring themes of solitude, aging, and consistency. His meditative observations – from Tokyo's Jingu Gaien running path to Greece's original marathon route – paint running as spiritual practice. Ray Porter's calm narration mirrors Murakami's introspective style. This memoir resonates most with runner-writers and those who find clarity in motion. The audiobook makes a case for maintaining passion through decades of physical and creative work. This is Roll's comeback story where he details his metamorphosis from an alcoholic, overweight lawyer to plant-powered endurance phenomenon. The audiobook chronicles his training for the Epic5 Challenge (5 Ironman triathlons in 5 Hawaiian islands) and other superhuman feats achieved after age 40. Roll's self-narration strikes a note of authenticity as he discusses addiction, vegan nutrition, and midlife reinvention. Packed with practical advice on how a plant-based diet and mental resilience, it's particularly inspiring for those on the other side of 40. The revised edition includes new recovery and longevity insights. The Olympic medalist reveals how positive psychology propelled her career. Kastor details her training under coach Joe Vigil in high-altitude Alamosa, where she replaced self-doubt with gratitude mantras and process-focused thinking. Her narration is passionate when describing breakthrough races such as the 2004 Olympic bronze and Chicago Marathon win. Beyond athletic achievements, she shares touching personal stories about miscarriage, team dynamics, and balancing motherhood with running. This book can guide one on how to cultivate optimism during tough workouts – valuable for competitive runners and everyday joggers alike. At 104 years young, world-record-holding sprinter Ida Keeling shares her extraordinary journey from a depression-era child labourer to centenarian athlete. After losing both sons to violence in the 1970s, Keeling's daughter encouraged her to run at age 67 – a decision that became her salvation. Lisa Renee Pitts' vibrant narration captures Keeling's Bronx grit and deep faith as she describes setting records (including the 60m dash for ages 95-99) and outliving racism, poverty, and grief. More than a running memoir, this is a testament to resilience, with Keeling's mantra: 'God's not done with me yet.' Essential listening for anyone needing proof that purpose has no expiration date. At 49, depressed and unable to run 60 seconds straight, Nita Sweeney discovered life-saving therapy: running with her dog. This raw, witty memoir chronicles her journey from mental health struggles to marathon finish lines, proving exercise can combat depression when medication falls short. Sarah Zimmerman's narration perfectly captures Sweeney's self-deprecating humor and hard-won wisdom. Unlike typical running guides, this focuses on emotional healing – how pounding pavement builds resilience, and how canine companionship anchors us in dark times. Ideal for runners battling depression or anyone needing proof that transformation begins with one step (or paw). A moving testament to running's power to rebuild broken spirits.
News18
10 hours ago
- News18
Olympian Imane Khelif's Medical Report Claims She Is ‘Biologically Male'
Last Updated: Samples were collected at Dharamshila Hospital in Vasundhara Enclave, near Mayur Vihar in East Delhi. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif became the centre of controversy after winning gold in the women's welterweight category at the Paris 2024 Olympics amid claims questioning her biological sex. These claims have resurfaced following the release of new details about a chromosome test conducted before the Olympics. A 3 Wire Sports report revealed that she had undergone a chromosome test in 2023 ahead of the Women's World Championships. The test, according to the report, was conducted by Dr Lal Path Labs in New Delhi. Samples were collected at Dharamshila Hospital in Vasundhara Enclave, near Mayur Vihar in East Delhi. 3 Wire Sports also shared a portion of the 2023 test. Under the 'Interpretation' section of the report, it read: 'Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype." A karyotype refers to the full set of chromosomes in a person's cells. Humans typically have 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs. The pair that determines biological sex is either XX (female) or XY (male). The test result allegedly showed the presence of XY chromosomes in Khelif's case. Following this test result, Khelif was barred from competing in the 2023 Women's World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) alongside Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting. But by the time the Paris Olympics took place, boxing was being overseen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which had stripped the IBA of its status due to concerns over its governance. Under IOC guidelines, eligibility was determined based on official documentation like a passport that listed the athlete as 'female." This allowed Khelif to compete and ultimately win gold in Paris. At a Paris news conference, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said, 'Those tests are not legitimate. The tests themselves, the process of the tests and the ad hoc nature of the tests are not legitimate. The testing, the method of the testing, the idea of the testing, which happened kind of overnight. None of it is legitimate and this does not deserve any response." But once the 3 Wire Sports report surfaced on social media, many users criticised the IOC and expressed anger over the unfair judgement. One user commented, 'So the test confirmed Khelif is biologically male — disqualified in 2023, Olympic gold in 2024. What changed? Not the chromosomes. Silence from the IOC, silence from MSM. Women sacrificed, truth buried." Another wrote, 'They knew Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was male and allowed him to batter a female contestant at the 2024 #Olympics. Male average power in a punching motion is 162% greater than females. #Misogyny doesn't describe it." 'So this could have been completely cleared up before he fought as a woman and beat women out of a medal that they rightfully deserved?" someone asked. 'It's a shame they let that guy win," read another comment. Amid the growing criticism, World Boxing announced it will now require mandatory genetic sex testing for all boxers competing in the female category. It also said that Khelif would not be allowed to compete in any of its events unless she completes such a test under its official procedures. But after naming Khelif in its announcement, World Boxing faced its backlash and later apologised to the Algerian Boxing Federation. According to BBC, World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst issued a statement saying, 'I am writing to you all personally to offer a formal and sincere apology for this and acknowledge that her privacy should have been protected. By reaching out to you personally, we show our true respect to you and your athletes." Khelif had been set to make a competitive comeback at the Eindhoven Box Cup from 5-10 June.
