Bindra, Keshavan, Ashab receive government funds

The sports ministry on Thursday decided to provide financial assistance to India's lone Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra along with shooter Mohd. Ashab and luge specialist Shiva Keshavan.

Bindra had requested for assistance from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for a physiotherapist and strength/conditioning specialist to help him prepare for the 2016 Olympics.

"The expenditure on account of engagement of the physiotherapist and strength/conditioning specialist will be met out of the budget of Rs.112.5 lakh allocated to Abhinav Bindra," said a ministry release.

The ministry also approved 9,128 euros for Ashab to train in Italy. Of this, 3,780 euros is the coaching fee and 5,348 euros for other training expenses.

For the Winter Games specialist Keshavan, "after due consideration of his performance at the Asian level, the ministry has approved charges for coaching for a period of one year from April 2015 onwards $4,000 per month with a maximum assistance of Rs.10 lakh. Release of 50 percent of the approved amount of coaching fee as first instalment has also been sanctioned".