Everything to Know About TOPS Olympics

The Government of India initiated the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to enhance the country's sports performance. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) launched this scheme in September 2014 to train and promote high-performance athletes. The TOPS Elite Athletes’ Identification Committee was formed to identify athletes who could benefit from support. However, in April 2018, it underwent a revamp to introduce a technical support team to manage and provide comprehensive assistance to participants.

In 2020, TOPS expanded to include junior athletes. TOPS and other nationwide sports initiatives like Khelo India have improved India's performance at major sporting events. In this post, let’s look at the history and objectives of the TOPS Olympics and every other detail.

Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) Explained

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is a significant initiative the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports led to enhance support for India’s elite athletes. It focuses on intensifying training programs to maximise their chances of securing medals at the Olympic Games. Under this scheme, the Department of Sports identifies promising athletes capable of achieving Olympic success. TOPS aims to sponsor a select group of athletes in their developmental phase, targeting potential medal-winners at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

History of Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS)

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports selects TOPS members, ensuring representation from "High-Priority" sports like Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Hockey, Shooting, and Wrestling. The committee's composition, chaired initially by Shri Anurag Thakur (MP), includes distinguished athletes such as Pullela Gopichand, Rahul Dravid, Abhinav Bindra, and Manisha Malhotra, alongside sports administrators from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and MYAS.

Mission Olympic Cell (MOC)

The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) was established to provide comprehensive support to athletes selected under the TOPS Scheme. Chaired by the Director General of the Sports Authority of India (DG, SAI), its sessions include representatives from relevant National Sports Federations (NSFs) and SAI Project Officers.

The MOC's primary objective is to deliberate, assess, and implement effective strategies for athlete development. It oversees the selection, retention, and support processes for athletes, coaches, and training facilities under TOPS.

Key functions of the MOC include:

• Approving specialised athlete programs
• Recommending financial allocations
• Monitoring progress through tailored training plans
• Ensuring timely reporting
• Addressing athlete needs promptly
• Maintaining open communication channels
• Delegating tasks as needed to implementation partners

Additionally, the MOC ensures compliance with contractual obligations and manages media, sponsors, and commercial partnerships related to the NSDF TOP Scheme.

Objectives of TOPS

• To provide athletes with the necessary resources and training facilities
• To enhance the overall performance of Indian athletes in the Olympics and other major international events
• To create a structured and supportive environment for athletes to excel

Scheme of Assistance under TOPS

The Scheme under TOPS aims to augment athlete training beyond the Annual Calendar of Training and Competition (ACTC). Selected athletes may request various forms of assistance, including:

• Personalised coaching from renowned trainers at premier facilities
• Participation in international competitions
• Acquisition of equipment necessary for training
• Access to support personnel like physiotherapists, sports psychologists, mental trainers, and physical trainers
• Any other specialised support tailored to the athlete's sports discipline
• Athletes also receive a performance-linked monthly allowance of ₹50,000 to cover out-of-pocket expenses

Selection and Review Committee

The Selection and Review Committee, convened weekly by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), assesses and scrutinises athlete proposals. It determines financial allocations based on the proposals and recommendations made. Additionally, the Committee conducts regular reviews of athletes' advancement and growth. Depending on the Committee's evaluations, athletes may either be included, retained, or removed from the TOP Scheme.

Success and Funding of TOPS

TOPS has seen notable success by emphasising 'High-Priority' sports such as Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Hockey, Shooting, and Wrestling. Athletes sponsored under TOPS achieved significant milestones at events like the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Mission Olympic Cell, overseen by the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, supports these athletes. The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), established in 1998, plays a crucial role in funding TOPS initiatives across various sports disciplines.

Looking ahead, upcoming Olympic events include:

• The Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris
• Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo
• Summer Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles
• Summer Olympics 2032 in Brisbane

Notable Athletes

Several Indian athletes have achieved significant success under the TOPS scheme. For instance:

• PV Sindhu: The badminton star has won multiple medals at the Olympics and World Championships

• Neeraj Chopra: The javelin thrower won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Why is TOPS in the News?

Atanu Das, the Olympian and World Championship silver medallist, has been re-inducted into the TOPS. His exceptional performances at the Archery World Cup in Antalya and domestic competitions prompted this decision. After a hiatus of eighteen months, Atanu returned to international outdoor competitions, achieving fourth place in the Men’s Recurve individual rankings with a score of 673 points.

Notable additions to TOPS include rifle shooter Mehuli Ghosh and 15-year-old Tilottama Sen, who won bronze in the 10m air rifle event at the 2023 International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup in Cairo, Egypt. In total, 27 new athletes have been added to the TOPS Core and Development lists, bringing the total number of TOPS athletes to 270, with 101 in the Core group and 169 in the Development group.

What are the Government Initiatives Related to the Promotion of Sports?

Here are the government initiatives aimed at promoting sports:

• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan
• Fit India Movement
• Khelo India
• SAI Training Centers Scheme
• National Sports Talent Search Portal
• National Sports Awards Scheme
• National Youth Festival

TOPS - NCOES

TOPS National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) is being established across 14 priority disciplines to enhance the training of Olympic prospects for Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. Former junior campers are transitioning into these TOPS NCOEs, selected in partnership with National Sports Federations (NSFs).

Conclusion

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme stands as a pivotal and influential initiative in the realm of sports. Over recent years, it has played a crucial role in supporting and aiding athletes. TOPS's ongoing functions and objectives promise continued benefits for future sports endeavours.

FAQs

1. What is the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)?

A: The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is an initiative by the Government of India designed to support and prepare athletes for success in the Olympics and other major international sports events.

2. Who is eligible for TOPS?

A: Athletes who meet specific performance criteria, typically through past performances or achievements in national or international competitions, are eligible for TOPS.

3. How does TOPS support athletes?

A: TOPS provides comprehensive support, including financial assistance for training, coaching, equipment, medical and nutritional needs, and opportunities for international exposure.

4. What types of financial support does TOPS offer?

A: TOPS offers funding for training, coaching, equipment, travel, and other essential needs to help athletes excel in their sports.

5. How is equipment support provided under TOPS?

A: Equipment support is determined based on a centre-specific gap analysis to ensure that athletes receive the necessary gear for their specific training needs.

6. Who is funding TOPS?

A: The TOPS scheme is supported by the Khelo India scheme, which provides financial backing and resources for the program.

7. Who are the stakeholders involved in TOPS?

A: Key stakeholders include the Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Sports Federations, and various academies and centers (both SAI and non-SAI).

8. How are athletes selected for TOPS?

A: Athletes are selected based on their performance standards and potential, evaluated by a panel of experts including coaches and sports administrators.

9. What are the major successes of TOPS so far?

A: TOPS has significantly contributed to the success of several Indian athletes, such as PV Sindhu and Neeraj Chopra, who have achieved international recognition and medals.

10. What challenges does TOPS face?

A: Challenges include funding and resource allocation issues, ensuring equitable distribution across various sports, and improving infrastructure at the grassroots level.

11. What are the future prospects for TOPS?

A: The future of TOPS involves enhancing support mechanisms, expanding the scope to include more athletes and sports disciplines, and improving overall effectiveness.