Equestrian
Fouaad Mirza set to take part in multiple tournaments ahead of Olympics
Fouaad Mirza to compete in five international equestrian events ahead of Paris Olympics, supported by government funding, along with several other athletes receiving financial assistance for their respective sports.
Fouaad Mirza (Source: Getty)
Ace Indian equestrian Fouaad Mirza is set to embark on a rigorous preparation journey for the Paris Olympics, with approval granted by the Sports Ministry on Thursday, he will participate in five competitions crucial to his Olympic readiness.
Fouaad will receive financial backing from the government to compete in Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Events located in Kronenberg, Sopot, Marbach, Strzegom, and Baborowko. The assistance includes coverage for airfare, accommodation, entry fees, horse grooming expenses, and other necessary expenditures.
In a statement released by the ministry, it was highlighted that the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) will extend support towards equipment procurement such as riding gear and other essentials for Fouaad. The 32-year-old athlete is currently the first reserve in the Olympic Group Rankings and second reserve in the Olympic World Rankings for Paris.
The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) also greenlit racewalker Priyanka Goswami's proposal for training in Australia, where she will work under the guidance of coach Brent Vallance for an additional 34 days.
In para-sports, support was extended to para shooter Singhraj Adhana, para-athlete Pranav Soorma, and para-badminton players Nithya Sre and Mandeep Kaur for equipment, sparring partner fees, and physiotherapist fees. Rinku Hooda received financial assistance for participation in the World Para Athletics Grand Prix event.
Earlier last week, Asian Games medalist Anush Agarwalla was granted financial assistance by MOC.
