Indian Government Released $472,000 To 175 Olympians In Last Quarter Of '17

India Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that the Indian government released Rs 3.14 crore ($472,000) "as out of pocket allowance of 175 sportspersons" under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme in the last quarter of '17, according to the PTI. The amount was released from the National Sports Development Fund for the period from September to December. Singh said, "The rate of Out of Pocket Allowance from NSDF is Rs 50,000 ($788) per month and it is admissible with effect from September 2017 or from subsequent months of selection of the athlete, whichever is later." The TOP Scheme aims to "identify, groom and prepare potential medal prospects for Olympic and Paralympic Games" (PTI, 1/3).