New Delhi, June 27 -- The International Olympic Committee's newly introduced athlete support grant will provide Olympians with a crucial financial safety net and help them build sustainable careers, according to India's most decorated Winter Olympian, Shiva Keshavan.

According to Olympics.com, the IOC has launched the initiative under its 'Fit for the Future' strategic framework, with every Olympian who competes from the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics onwards eligible to apply for a USD 10,000 grant for each edition of the Games in which they participate.

The programme has been allocated a fund of USD 140 million per Olympiad and is expected to benefit around 14,000 Olympians. Applications will open later this year, while the first...