Gagan Narang ties up with Gold Quest for financial assistance

Mumbai, Feb 8 (UNI) Gagan Narang today disclosed that he has formally tied up with Gold Quest, a sports fund promoted by Geet Sethi, billiards ace, and Prakash Padukone, India's badminton legend, for his funding requirements till 2012.

''I have applied to the Government of India for a grant of Rs 40 lakh which is my requirement till the Beijing Olympics for ammunition, equipment, travel and professional coaching. I am waiting to hear from the Government but, Gold Quest has agreed to bridge the gap between Rs 40 lakh and what gets sanctioned by the Government,'' Gagan stated in a release.

The fund, whose other founding promoters are DSP Merryl Lynch Vice Chairman Shitin Desai and Co-founder Sify R Ramaraj, has Rakesh Khanna as its Executive Head.

Mr Khanna said, ''We at Gold Quest are committed to providing financial support to athletes with a potential of winning India an Olympic Gold. Gagan has the talent, potential and deep resolve to reach the pinnacle of his sport and we are glad to be able to assist him.'' ''I am relieved and highly motivated with this generous and timely financial and moral support and hope that I can achieve at least one Olympic Gold out of the events that I have qualified for at the Beijing Olympics,'' Gagan added in the release.

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