Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has promised to increase financial assistance to the Israel Olympic Committee's preparations for the Beijing Olympics, sources from the Israeli PM office said on Wednesday.

During his meeting with Israel Olympic Committee leaders here Tuesday afternoon, Olmert said that he would increase assistance, including budgetary, to the committee and the funds would be transferred to the athletes.

The meeting, attended also by Science, Culture and Sport Ministry Director-General Eitan Broshi, tennis player Shahar Peer and yachtsmen Gidi Kliger and Udi Gal, was held as part of the preparations for the Beijing Olympics 2008.

The athletes discussed their training at the meeting while the Israel Olympic Committee leaders requested additional budgetary assistance in order to finance their preparations.

Promising to increase financial assistance, Olmert said that " it is important that our athletes train properly in order to attain achievements on behalf of the country."

Source: Xinhua