Target Olympic Podium (TOP)

Why in News ?  Indian Prime Minister recently inaugurated 7th Khelo India Youth Games.

• He said that the government has always given top priority to sports in its policies; he underlined the efforts to bring the Olympics to the country in 2036.
• He remarked that initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme have contributed to building a robust sports ecosystem, benefiting thousands of athletes across Bihar and the rest of the country.

Relevance :  UPSC Pre & Mains

Prelims: Sports Authority of India (SAI)/TOP

Mains : General Studies Paper I: Society and Social Issues

• Youth Empowerment and Social Development:

About TOPS:

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India, launched in September 2014 to identify, support, and groom elite athletes for medal success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It exemplifies targeted policy interventions. Its structure, involving the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) and Sports Authority of India (SAI), reflects efficient governance and public-private partnerships (e.g., NSDF funding).

Key Features of TOPS:

Objective:

• Identify and support potential medal winners for Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Provide customized training, financial aid, and holistic support to elite athletes in high-priority sports (Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Hockey, Shooting, Wrestling) and emerging disciplines.
• Fund a Development Group of junior and sub-junior athletes for future Olympics (e.g., 2024, 2028).

Structure:

TOPS Elite Athletes’ Identification Committee: Selects athletes based on performance in international events (e.g., Asian Games, Commonwealth Games) and medal potential. Chaired initially by Anurag Thakur (MP), it includes eminent athletes like Pullela Gopichand, Rahul Dravid, and Abhinav Bindra.

Mission Olympic Cell (MOC): A dedicated body under the Sports Authority of India (SAI), chaired by the SAI Director General. It approves training programs, disburses funds, monitors progress, and decides athlete inclusion/exclusion. Weekly meetings involve National Sports Federations (NSFs) and SAI officers.

Funding: Supported by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), with contributions from public sector units (e.g., Rs 30 crore from IIFCL, 2015–18). Over 50% of NSDF expenditure goes to TOPS.

Support Provided:

Financial Assistance: Monthly stipend of Rs 50,000 per athlete, funding for foreign training, competitions, and equipment.

Training: Access to world-class coaches, modern facilities, and international camps (e.g., P.V. Sindhu’s training in Germany).

Support Staff: Physiotherapists, sports psychologists, mental trainers, and nutritionists.

Customized Programs: Tailored training plans, including participation in Grand Slams, World Championships, and Olympic qualifiers.

Athlete Categories:

Core Group: 104 athletes across 13 disciplines, including men’s and women’s hockey teams, with proven medal potential.

Development Group: 269 athletes across 12 disciplines, focusing on junior and sub-junior talent for future Olympics.

Recent Updates (2023–2025):

Athlete Inclusions:

2023: Re-induction of archer Atanu Das, rifle shooters Mehuli Ghosh and Tilottama Sen (bronze medalist, 2023 ISSF World Cup), and 27 new athletes, bringing the total to 270 (101 Core, 169 Development).