Delhi: Javelin ace Neeraj Chopra and star wrestler Vinesh Phogat will be continuing with their training in Europe until their departure to Tokyo for Olympics, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) announced on Friday. While Neeraj bagged gold in an event in Portugal, Vinesh claimed the top prize in the Poland Open last week.
“The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), at a meeting on Friday, sanctioned javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s proposal to train in their respective locations in Europe till July 25 before they leave for Tokyo to compete in the Olympic Games,” SAI said in a statement.
The 23-year-old Neeraj, who won gold in the 2018 Asian Games with a national record throw, will continue training in Uppsala, Sweden, from June 21. He has been training in Portugal since June 6 and his proposal has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 34.87 lakh.
Neeraj will be staying with his coach Dr. Klaus Bartonietz and physiotherapist. The Government has supported Neeraj to the tune of Rs 1.61 crore in this Olympic cycle through the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme.
The 26-year-old Vinesh will undergo a 10-day training camp in Talinn, Estonia, and a 16-day camp in Budapest, Hungary. She will be assisted by her coach Woller Akos and physiotherapist Poornima Raman Ngomdir.
The MOC also sanctioned the men’s 65kg freestyle wrestler Bajrang Punia’s proposal to engage men’s U-23 World Champion Mirza Skhulukhia in the 70kg class as an additional sparring partner in Vladikavkaz, Russia. He is already sparring with 2019 70kg world champion David Baev.
