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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly spent Rs 18 crore on the Tokyo Olympics 2020. However, very little portion of this was actually given to the athletes who won medals and made India proud on the world stage. As per several reports in the media, the Indian Cricket Board has claimed that as much as 7 crores were spent for the company which worked on the promotion of the Tokyo Olympics in India.
In addition, Rs 70 lakh was paid as remuneration for singer-composer Mohit Chauhan who made the campaign song “Lakshya tere saamne hai, jeet ke aana (The goal is in entrance of you, return as a winner)” for the Indian Olympic contingent. In addition, a large chunk of money, some 5 crore INR was spent on PM cares mementos.
The Board had listed this 18-crore bill in the Apex Council meeting that happened on July 21 and was chaired by President Sourav Ganguly with secretary Jay Shah also in attendance. Treasurer Arun Dhumal and Joint Secretary Jayesh George were also present in the meeting.
The expenditure incurred by the BCCI is part of its attempt to help other sports and athletes. The Board had already pledged to the Indian Olympic Association that it will increase its assistance to the body. However, the fact also remains that only 4 crore was actually spent as rewards for medal winners.
Notably, India produced its best ever show in Olympics in Tokyo coming back with 7 medals including a gold medal won by Neeraj Chopra.
"The summer season Olympics is scheduled to be held in Tokyo from July 23 to August 8, 2021. The BCCI has determined to assist Indian athletes in each type and method it will possibly. In that spirit, based mostly on the request acquired from the IOA/ MYAS (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports activities), the Apex Council of BCCI has determined to increase assist to the Indian Olympic Affiliation and has pledged a financial gesture of Rs 10 crore," the BCCI had mentioned in a press release in June 2021.