This is the first attempt at mass signings in individual sports by the corporate giants, who are already the main sponsors for the Indian cricket and hockey teams. “It’s true that the fact that both these sports won medals at the Olympics tempted us to be associated with them. Not only the medalists, others also did a good job, which convinced us of the tremendous potential of these sports,” Sahara India chairman Subroto Roy said, adding that, if needed, there could be sponsorship for other sports as well.

Indian Amateur Boxing Federation secretary general Col PKM Raja, however, said that signing contracts would not mean a safety for four years. “Depending upon their performances, there can be changes in the names of the athletes. No one can take their place for granted,” he said.

Although the players will be divided into four grades based on their performances and achievements, the exact details were not made official. However, sources said that the Olympic medalists will be in the top bracket and get around Rs 13-15 lakhs annually.

The next rung would get Rs 5-6 lakhs, those in grade C will get Rs 2-4 lakhs and grade D will get around Rs 1-2 lakhs. The wrestlers and boxers welcomed the move and said it would help take care of their expenses during training.

Beneficiaries:
Boxing: Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar, AL Lakra, Dinesh Kumar, Amandeep Singh, Nanao Singh, Narjit Singh, Chhote Lal Yadav, Rakesh Kalaskar, Dilbagh Singh, Balwinder Beniwal and Santosh Kumar Virothu.

Wrestling: Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt,