IOA proposes medical health insurance and pension schemes for all former Olympians

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has proposed to bring in medical health insurance and pension schemes for all retired Olympians, according to the apex sports body’s president PT Usha.

As per a report published by the PTI, Usha has proposed the recommendations to IOA's Executive Committee, saying the topic will be up for discussion in the near future.

It’s worth noting that the Indian Olympic governing body will solely cover all these expenses from its coffers. The idea for this initiative struck Usha after she witnessed the plight of former Indian archer Limba Ram, who faced medical problems.

On the occasion of International Olympic Day on June 23, PT Usha marked her presence at former Indian athlete Gurbachan Singh Randhawa’s residence to felicitate him.

“The IOA is taking many athlete-centric steps, and one of these is medical insurance and pension for all our ex-Olympians,” Usha told PTI at Gurbachan’s residence (via The Times of India).

“We have submitted the proposal to all EC members for all ex-Olympians. It is a small help from IOA for all ex-Olympians. We should remember all our ex-Olympians,” she added.

Randhawa secured a gold medal in the decathlon discipline in the 1962 Asian Games and competed in two Olympic Games, finishing fifth in the 110m hurdles in Tokyo in 1964. He hailed the apex body president’s efforts and requested the government to spend 10 to 15 percent under the Central Government Health Scheme on ex-Olympians.

“Sports persons’ spouses don’t get pension after their death, so please pitch for that, that is necessary. I hope the government spends 10 to 15 per cent under CGHS on former athletes. Financial assistance for old sportspersons should be there,” Randhawa said.

PT Usha reveals the reason behind proposing the new initiative

The Indian Olympic governing body president went on to reveal that the idea struck her mind after she met former Olympian archer Limba Ram, who had suffered a brain stroke in 2020. The ex-archer then approached the apex body in a wheelchair for financial aid.

“I was moved when I saw Limba Ram in a wheelchair in the IOA office, struggling for financial assistance. That moment, the idea came to my mind,” PT Usha said.