India to send largest ever contingent to Rio Olympics

NEW DELHI: India will send its largest ever contingent - about 90 sports persons - to Olympics in Rio beginning August 5, Lok Sabha was informed today.

"About 90 athletes have qualified for Olympics in Rio. India will send the largest ever contingent this year," said Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, while replying on behalf of Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during Question Hour.

Rijiju said 58 sports persons have qualified for individual events while 32 hockey players -- both men and women -- also qualified to participate the Olympics.

The Minister said special assistance has been given to sporting talents for their training both in India and abroad.

Trinamool Congress MP and former footballer Prasun Banerjee, who had participated in Olympics in Moscow in 1980, said there was no dearth of talent in India but sports persons face problems in getting assistance and proper infrastructure.

Rijiju said government was always ready to accept suggestions and advice for improvement of sports, sporting infrastructure and promotion of athletes.