NewsDio Desk : The news which can clearly bring smiles on the faces of core group players of men’s and women’s hockey teams can be none other than the monthly allowance of Rs. 50,000. Yes, the players will be entitled for the same under the government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme and it will be operational till Tokyo Games which are going to be held in July-August this year.
The move is going to financially assist a total of 58 hockey players, out of them 33 are men while 25 are women. Manpreet Singh who is the captain of men’s hockey team has certainly welcomed the decision and is all praise for the move which has been taken by the relevant authority keeping in mind the kind of economical situation which some of the players have to go through. He said that the initiative is a big step for the players who are planning and preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Each one of the players is highly upbeat about the news and they can’t hold themselves, but to thank the government for the kind gesture which it has shown for the concern of the players.
The captain further said that a diverse number of players do come from not very good backgrounds, and the allowance will act as a cushion for them which will uplift their morale while they pursue the sports without any sort of obstacles.
The move is being seen as a landmark step, especially when the allowance is also extended to women folks, as this is the first time, when such a sort of thing is happening where women folks are also included under TOPS and OPA.
The captain Rani Rampal is naturally quite upbeat and excited at the way the government has looked at them with care and compassion and it has rightly created a sort of great feeling for each one of the women players who seems to be very excited
Now, that the government is highly regarding and giving value to the women’s hockey team as it is a great signal that people including everyone is rightly giving due importance which was long time needed. However, better late than never as this decision is being seen as a way to revive hockey.
The women’s hockey team is seeing the move as a way of getting chance to be equal at par with the men’s hockey team.
Whatever be the case, the players are happy and considering their happiness, let’s hope for the best that they are going to work with greater zeal and enthusiasm in the coming Olympics.
Financial assistance is naturally quite an important factor which is needed to boost the morale. Now that the government has done its duty, it is time for the players to reciprocate the gesture by giving their 100% and play with new zeal and enthusiasm so that they can enhance the reputation and prestige of the country and bring laurels for the country.