Lok Sabha Question No. 126 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-01
Subject: Strengthening Support for Athletes through TOPS
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Dushyant Singh

## Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA STARRED UNQUESTION NO. 126 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.12.2025

Strengthening Support for Athletes through TOPS

126. Shri Dushyant Singh:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

(a) the objectives and key components of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the manner in which it supports top athletes for major international competitions;

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to integrate the scheme with other similar national initiatives to promote institutional readiness to strengthen India's proposed bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games;

(c) the details of the number of athletes presently supported under the said scheme along with the criteria used for selection and the major achievements recorded so far;

(d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  expand  or  strengthen  the scheme ahead of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games; and

(e)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  inter-ministerial coordination  to  align  the  outcomes  of  TOPS  with  broader  capacitybuilding measures for future international sporting events, including the Olympics?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA]

- (a): The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), being implemented since 2014, aims to enhance India's medal prospects in Olympic and Paralympic  Games  by  identifying  athletes  with  elite  potential  and providing  customized  end-to-end  support.  Key  components  of  the Scheme include:
- (i) Financial Assistance: Monthly Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA) of  ₹50,000  for  TOPS  Core  athletes  and  ₹25,000  for  TOPS Development athletes.
- (ii) Training  &  Coaching  Support:  Engagement  of  foreign/Indian expert coaches and high-performance support staff across key disciplines.
- (iii) Sports Science & Support Services: Assistance for physiotherapy, sports psychology, nutrition, performance analytics, etc.
- (iv) International  Exposure:  Support  for  overseas  training  and participation  in  global  competitions  based  on  performance requirements.
- (v) High-Performance Facilities: Access to training at accredited high-performance centers in India and abroad.
- (vi) Structured Governance: Selection and monitoring carried out by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), comprising discipline experts.
- (b): TOPS has been formulated to provide customized training support to elite athletes for their participation in major international sporting events. The Scheme functions in convergence with other Schemes of the Ministry that address the preparation and training requirements of sportspersons  for  international  competitions,  including  mega  sports events. Training and preparation for such  events, including the Olympics 2036, constitute an ongoing and continuous process.
- (c): Currently, the following number of athletes are being supported under TOPS:

TOPS Core Athletes: 51

TOPS Development Athletes: 130

TOPS Para Core Athletes: 52

Athletes  are  selected  based  on  medal  prospects  at  Olympics  and Paralympics  by  the  Mission  Olympic  Cell  (MOC),  which  evaluates performance trajectories, international rankings, expert assessments, and qualification pathways.

Major  achievements  of  the  athletes  supported  under  TOPS  include podium finishes at Olympic Games, Para-Olympic Games, Asian Games, Para Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

(d):    The  Scheme  is  continuously  reviewed  and  strengthened  by inclusion of promising athletes, enhanced sports science support, and timely  approval  of  foreign  exposure  plans  to  prepare  effectively  for mega sports events including Olympic Games.

(e): Inter-ministerial coordination on matters like facility development, training logistics, visa facilitation, and anti-doping measures is undertaken  through  established  Government  mechanisms,  ensuring alignment of TOPS outcomes with broader capacity-building for future international events.

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