New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) In a bid to ensure that ex-international athletes and coaches have access to medical, financial, and logistical support during Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have joined hands to create a special support cell to help these sportspersons.
Speaking about the initiative, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju said, "We stand by those who have contributed to sport in India all their lives and have brought laurels to the country. These are tough times and we want to ensure that our ex-athletes or coaches have a full support system to fight the Covid 19 pandemic. I am very happy about this joint initiative that has been taken by the Government and IOA. I am confident we will be able to help those in need."
Speaking about the collaboration, IOA President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said, "The sporting fraternity of India is one big family and in these trying times it is impending on each of us to support the other. I thank Mr Rijiju for taking this initiative forward along with the IOA. I am hopeful that we will be able to assist many ex-athletes and coaches who need support right now."