Indore: Wrestler Sushil Kumar on Thursday expressed confidence that the government's Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme will fetch more medals for the country in the 2016 Olympics than the earlier Games.
"TOP scheme will increase India's medal tally at the Olympics. If such a big country bags 4-5 medals, it disheartens the people," Kumar, who won a silver medal in the London Games in 2012, told reporters here.
"More facilities (as provided under TOP) should be made available to players to raise the medal tally," he added.
The government has picked up 45 sportspersons, including Kumar, under the TOP scheme ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics. They will be provided financial and other assistance for preparations.
Kumar, who was here to attend a religious programme, said Indians became more interested in the Olympics after the 2008 Games.
He said at present he was focusing on the World Wrestling Championships to be held in the United States in September.
He said he will not participate in Asian Wrestling Championship in Doha next month as young wrestlers should also get the opportunity.
