There hasn?t been a dearth in India?s sportsman spirit. But there sure has been a shortage of funds to support talent in sport, especially if it doesn?t happen to be cricket. And the electronic giant, Samsung recognises this. So, to support our medal-hopefuls at the Beijing Olympic 2008, Samsung India has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The company also announced its scholarship programme, Samsung Olympic Ratna, recently.

Seven sportspersons were selected by the the electronic giant for the scholarship programme. This includes Olympic silver medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Samsung?s brand ambassador shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu, Abhinav Bindra, Anjali Bhagwat and Avneet Kaur. Recently crowned world champion archer, Dola Banerjee and national boxing champion A L Lakra are also among the beneficiaries. As part of the programme, the company will support the sportspersons by meeting their training expenses from October this year to September 2008.

R Zutshi, deputy managing director, Samsung India said, ?Samsung?s association with the Indian Olympic Association commenced with the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games and ever since the company has supported the Indian contingent to the 2004 Athens Olympics and now the Beijing Olympics 2008.?

Proudly announcing the names of the players he said, ?It has been our continuous endeavour to bring alive the pride and spirit of the Olympics for Indians. Over the coming few months, we will continue to organise Olympic-related events in India to build interest and support for the team.?

The sportsmen also seemed pleased. Samsung?s brand ambassador, Manvjit Singh Sandhu said: ?I am happy to be associated with Samsung.? He added in a lighter vein: ?With the dollar price falling from Rs 45 to Rs 39, the finance minister should do something about it.?

Another ace shooter, Anjali Bhagwat said, ?With just one more year left for the games, the scholarship is very significant for training. It makes you feel important and a national asset.? And for national boxing champion Anthresh Lalit Lakra the scholarship was a huge surprise, albeit a pleasant one. ?This will support me in my

training,? he said. Let?s hope with this little help from Samsung, we see a better medal haul this Olympics.