Rio Olympics

For Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, the inspirational weightlifter from Manipur, its medal or nothing at the Olympics this year!

From abject poverty to slumps in her career, OP Jaisha's inspiring journey of overcoming the odds to become India's Marathon Champion.

Dattu Bhokanal, 24, joined the Army to support his family, and overcame his fear of water to rise to the top and become India's only rowing representative at the Rio Olympics this year.

Kavita Raut, the 30-year-old long-distance runner, became the fourth Indian women to have qualified for Rio Games women's marathon. She qualified after winning gold in the women's marathon event at the 12th South Asian Games.

The Rio Olympics 2016 are just nine months away and India hopes to better its tally of six medals in 2012. To achieve the goal, the government has launched the TOP scheme to extend financial assistance to potential medal winners. A total of 106 sportspersons have so far been identified under this scheme. Also, 57 sportspersons have qualified for the Olympics till now.

O.P. Jaisha broke the national record and stood 18th at the World Athletics Championships, while Sudha Singh too gave an incredible performance and grabbed the 19th spot with a timing that is her personal best.