Kolkata, Jan 31 (IANS) The union sports ministry has so far spent Rs.4.63 crore on the Olympic preparation of badminton players under Operation Excellence for 2012 London Games.

The money has been spent on training and foreign exposure of the players. Out of the amount spent, Rs.2.58 crore was spent on national coaching camps organised for 38 players (24 men and 14 women), who were guided by 10 coaches and five supporting staff, while the remaining amount of Rs.2.05 crore was utilized for foreign exposure.
The total duration of the camps has been 276 days till now. The training began in April 2011, according to a sports ministry release issued Tuesday.