New Delhi, Mar 13 : At least 23 sportspersons are likely to be participating in shooting, athletics, boxing, swimming, wrestling and table tennis in the Beijing Olympics 2008.

This was stated in a written note to Parliament by Minister for sports, Mani Shankar Aiyar.

He said some more players are likely to qualify after clearing tests.

Mani Shankar Aiyar said that Government has a scheme to provide financial assistance of Rs.75, 000 to sportsmen in the districts for various competitions in schools.

Planning Commission in their draft report on the 11th Five-Year Plan has recommended Rs 42370 million for Tentative Plan Outlay for Sports and Physical Education.

The proposed five stadiums in Delhi for international training events including Commonwealth Games, 2010 by Sports Authority of India are Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. They will be upgraded to match the latest international standards.

New facilities are being developed like Rugby 7's at Delhi University, Lawn Bowl at outer greens of Jawharlal Nehru University, Net Ball at Thyagraj Stadium and Boxing at Talkatora Indoor Stadium without the assistance of the central Government.

ANI