For India nothing has changed. The Indian Olympic Association has ensured that like for every other Olympics, for the Beijing Olympics also, the Indian contingent comprises an equal number of players and 'tourists' and 'cheerleaders' in the garb of coaching and support staff.
99 members India is participating in the Beijing Olympics with a 99 member squad.
12 disciplines
Ironically, while the IOA is planning to bid for 2020 Olympics in Delhi, was able to confirm India's participation in only 12 disciplines out of the 28 sports and 312 events being held at Beijing.
Support staff
A number of support staff have made it to the Olympics team on government expenditure not because of their qualification but 'relation'. The tennis team topped the list in getting their moms and dads to on the flight to Beijing.
Mom is best
Sania Mirza may not be winning much in tennis but could win over the IOA members in getting her mother Nasim Mirza in the contingent as a manager.
Leander Paes' father Vece Paes is also a part of the team as a doctor.
However, deserving boxing coach Heath Mathews South African was inducted in the team it refused to go to China without him.
With the Hockey team even failing to make it to the Olympics, the medal hopes are being pinned on the weightlifters and the boxers but that is only for medals minus the gold.
Source: http://www.mid-day.com/news/2008/aug/080808del-news4.htm
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