GAIL, one of the largest natural gas processing and distribution company, has offered finiancial support of Rs 6.8 lakhs to Asmita Pal, a fifteen year old gymnast, who is said to be the next Dipa Karmakar in the making.
The offer involves an upfront payment of Rs 2 lakhs followed by scholarship of Rs 20,000 per month for the next two years to meet her training and nutritional requirements, said the company.
Ashmita, who has made it to the national Olympic team, is not from a financially well-off background and hails from Agartala in Tripura.
Dipa Karmarkar’s performance in the recently concluded Rio Olympics drew attention as she came fourth in the gymnastics vault event.
Dipa too had to struggle to get to the Olympics with inadequate facilities for her training needs.
Under India’s company rules, all corporations must set apart at least 2% of their profit for charitable purposes.