Four junior athletes from Jharkhand have found slots in the Sports Authority of India’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), in a bid on part of the Union government aimed at grooming young talents for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics.

Archers Gora Ho, Shrey Bhardwaj and Komalika Bari along with pugilist Selay Soy will train at the SAI’s National Centre of Excellence (NCOS).

Training is expected to begin in October in a phased manner.

Archer Komalika Bari Sourced by the Telegraph

The shortlisting has been done to bring athletes back to on-field training as the country ‘unlocks’ after the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

As many as 258 athletes in 12 sporting disciplines have been shortlisted under the scheme.

The athletes will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 25,000.

Ho, a tribal who hails from Seraikela- Kharsawan trains at Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune along with Jamshedpur’s Soy.

Bhardwaj and Komalika are cadets of the Tata Archery Academy in Jamshedpur.

Both Ho and Komalika are from poor economic backgrounds, and have earned their place with talent and sheer dedication.

Ho has received an award from the President for his extraordinary performances in national competitions.

Komalika, whose father sells snacks in a push-cart, has claimed gold in the World Archery Youth Championship held in Madrid last year.

Shrey is the son of a policeman and has won medals at national competitions, including school events.

Soy, also a tribal, has already represented the country and won medals at international events. His father is a daily wager.

“I am very glad to get shortlisted for the Olympics preparations. I have always dreamed of winning medals in the Olympics. I am raring to join the camp,” said Ho, who is presently honing his skills at the government-run archery cradle in Dugni, near Seraikela.

The pandemic has forced him to remain anchored in the state since March.

Ho picked archery lessons at the Dugni cradle in his formative years.

Boxer Selay Soy Sourced by the Telegraph

Soy, who is currently living in the city’s Mango locality with his family, said he was keeping himself in tune with shadow practice.

“This is a big opportunity for me. I will work hard at the camp and realise my dreams of bagging a medal for my country in the Olympics,” the boxer said.

Soy is an ex-cadet of Tata Boxing Centre who has a penchant for flooring his rivals inside the ring.