MOC Approves Extension On Neeraj Chopra's SA Training Camp Until...

Last Updated:February 11, 2026, 21:42 IST

The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell gave the nod to Chopra's extended training camp in South Africa until April in preparation for this year's Asian Games.

The Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved an extension of javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra’s training in South Africa until April and authorised customised international exposure and coaching for taekwondo and karate athletes in preparation for this year’s Asian Games.

In its 168th meeting on Wednesday, the MOC also sanctioned financial assistance for the strength and conditioning coach of rising squash star Anahat Singh, as well as foreign exposure camps for para-athletes Varun Bhati and Sandeep Chaudhary.

Chopra, a two-time Olympic medal-winner, commenced his pre-season training in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in January. The ministry initially approved a 32-day camp, but he will now train in Pretoria before starting his competitive season with the Doha Diamond League in May.

Overall, proposals amounting to Rs 1.70 crore from various athletes were approved during Wednesday’s meeting.

In preparation for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) has approved support for Asian Championship bronze-winning taekwondo player Rodali Barua. Her participation in five international competitions – Bulgaria Open, Slovenia Open, Dutch Open, and Oceania Championships – has been approved by the MOC. All these are G2 level competitions, offering 20 ranking points to winners, crucial for Olympic qualification. She will also compete in the 4th Mount Everest International Open Taekwondo Championship in Nepal this year. TAGG has approved Rs 21.20 lakh for her participation in these scheduled events in February and March.

Another taekwondo athlete, Rupa Bayor, has also been sanctioned support under the TAGG Scheme for a Physiotherapy, and Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Programme for nine months until September. She is currently ranked 6th in the world and tops the Asian standings.

In karate, Bhuvneshwari Jadhav’s participation in three international competitions along with a structured training programme has been granted by the MOC. The competitions are scheduled to be held in Rome (March 11-16), China (April 8-13), and Spain (April 22-27). She will also participate in a training programme under foreign coach Sulaymon Sharifovich, scheduled to be held in Tashkent in March. The total financial assistance approved is Rs 20.12 lakh, which also includes support for her coach Keerthan Kondru and a sparring partner.

Financial assistance for another karate athlete, Alisha, and her coach Vikas has also been sanctioned under TAGG for two competitions. The total monetary support for the two karate players is Rs 5.94 lakh. Both Bhuvneshwari and Alisha won bronze medals at the 2025 Asian Championship held in Uzbekistan.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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