Summary:
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was launched in September 2014 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
TOPS aims to support elite athletes in 16 high-priority disciplines, helping them win medals at major international events.
Since its inception, TOPS athletes have won over 1500 medals in the Olympics, World Games, Commonwealth Games (CWG), and Paralympics.
TOPS is athlete-oriented and provides comprehensive support, including training, competition expenses, equipment, and medical care.
Selection for TOPS involves identifying potential Olympic medalists who receive invitations to apply.
Since this sports scheme's inception in September 2014, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, The 270 athletes have chosen to take advantage of Target Olympic Podium Schemes in 16 high priority disciplines or sports.(Please check the full list of disciplines below). And To understand its effectiveness, these 270 athletes have won around 1500 medals} in the Olympics 2016, Olympic 2021, World Games, CWG & Paralympics. This is the scheme where a professional athlete becomes the Champion. This scheme is not on the basis of the sports or discipline. TOP scheme is more of an athlete oriented sports scheme.
In this article, You will get each and every information in detail. What are the benefits of this scheme? What's the selection process to take advantage of this scheme? We will be sharing all this information in simple words.
Introduction:
Let's understand the Government of India's vision for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). There are many other schemes running for the grassroot sports talent nurture. (You can read more about these schemes here: Sports Authority of India Schemes) But this scheme aims to provide assistance to India's athletes and looks to add another layer of preparation for the big events.
TOPS: Helping Indian Athletes Win at the Olympics
India dreams of winning more medals at the Olympics, and to make this dream come true, the government created a special program called the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This program is designed to help our best athletes get even better so they can win medals at the Olympics. Let’s dive deep into what TOPS is all about and how it supports our athletes, explained in simple words that a child can understand.
What is the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)?
TOPS stands for Target Olympic Podium Scheme. It’s like a big, friendly helping hand from the government for athletes who are really good at their sports. The goal of TOPS is to help these athletes train hard, compete better, and win medals at the Olympics. Think of it like having a superhero team that helps athletes get stronger, faster, and better at their sports.
High Priority Disciplines:
Top scheme has categorized athletes into 2 sets of lists.
1. Tops Core Group Athlete in 15 discipline
2. Tops Development Group Athlete in 14 discipline
As per the SAI report 2021-22, it was supporting 115 TOPS Core Group athletes in 23 disciplines and 244 under TOPS Development Scheme in 14 disciplines. As per MYAS Annual report 2022-23 there were 97 athletes in TOPS Core Group in 14 disciplines and 181 TOPS Development group.
According to the recent TOPS list of athletes, They are recieving benefits of Scheme in Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Canoe, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis and Para Judo.
NSDF (National Sports Development Fund) plays a crucial role in the functioning of TOPS . The National Sports Development fund was created under the Charitable Endowments of 1890 for promoting sports and games in India. Anyone can contribute to NSDF and its 100% exemption from income tax. Whoever contributes to NSDF is free to assign their fund for specific purpose or to say to particular project within the general policy guidelines.
To know more detailed info about TOPS, Read : TOP Scheme FAQ
Selection Process:
Although the selection process is quite standard. The Department of Sports identifies the athletes who are potential winners in upcoming Olympics. Potential athletes will be contacted by the NSDF Secretariat.
Athletes presently get assistance through ACTC (Annual Calendar for Training and Competition) via SAI and NSDF. The Financial assistance under the TOP scheme is given in addition to the items covered in ACTC.
Once the NSDF Secretariat reach-out to athletes. They can be asked to submit the proposal. Although NSDF Secretariat helps in the process to each and every athlete for their submission like sharing the related standard proposal documents. In case an athlete doesn't have all the details for various items. NSDF Secretariat may ask to submit the Technical part of athlete proposal.
Technical part involves primary information, Target, Details of the proposed training, estimated expense of training, equipment and details of participation in competition (National and international)
There will be an yearly evaluation. An athlete can be added or dropped from the TOP scheme. There will be 4 parts of the application. As mentioned Technical Part, second part involves week by week training and competition program and third part includes support staff such as coach and other when competition or training held abroad and when competition or training held in India. It includes a detailed description. And last part once the Proposed plan is accepted by NSDF. Athletes have to sign a contract with NSDF.
Role of Mission Olympic Cell:
As the name suggests, this committee provides end to end assistance to athletes. It takes care of selection, proposal, sanction and performance review of athletes selected under TOPS. Initially it has Rahul Dravid and other athletes in this committee.
How Do Athletes Join TOPS?
Not just any athlete can join TOPS. The government looks for the best athletes, the ones who have the best chances of winning medals at the Olympics. Once they find these athletes, they invite them to join TOPS. Here’s how the process works:
1. Finding the Athletes: The government, through the Department of Sports, identifies athletes who have the potential to win Olympic medals.
2. Invitation to Apply: These athletes receive an invitation from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) secretariat to apply for TOPS assistance.
3. Filling Out Forms: The athletes fill out a detailed form where they explain their training and competition plans, and what kind of help they need. This form is called the application form.
4. Sending the Application: The completed form is sent to the NSDF office in New Delhi for review.
What Kind of Help Do Athletes Get?
Once athletes are part of TOPS, they receive a lot of support to help them become the best they can be. Here are some of the main types of help they get:
1. Special Training Programs: Athletes get to train with the best coaches. Sometimes, they even travel to other countries to train with international coaches. This special training helps them improve their skills and get better at their sport.
2. Competitions: Athletes need to compete in lots of competitions to stay in top form. TOPS helps them by paying for their travel and participation in both national and international competitions.
3. Living Expenses: Training and competing require athletes to travel and stay in different places. TOPS pays for their food, accommodation, and travel expenses so they can focus on their training without worrying about money.
4. Equipment and Supplements: To perform at their best, athletes need high-quality sports equipment and nutritional supplements. TOPS provides them with the best gear and supplements to keep them in top shape.
5. Medical and Sports Science Support: Athletes need to stay healthy and fit. TOPS ensures they have access to top doctors, physiotherapists, and sports scientists who help them with medical care, injury prevention, and recovery.
6. Training Kits: Athletes receive all the training clothes and gear they need to practice and compete.
7. Other Necessary Expenses: Sometimes, athletes need help with other things that are important for their training. TOPS tries to cover these expenses too.
How Do Athletes Get Money?
Getting the money and support from TOPS involves a few steps. Here’s how it works:
1. Proposal Submission: Athletes create a detailed plan that explains what kind of help they need and how much money it will cost. This plan includes all the details of their training, competition schedule, and other needs.
2. Review and Approval: The TOPS Operating Committee, along with national coaches and experts, reviews the athletes’ plans. They discuss the plans and decide how much money each athlete will get.
3. Budget Allocation: Each athlete is given a budget, which is like a big bag of money that they can use for their training and other needs. The budget is planned carefully to make sure the athletes have enough money to train and compete until the Olympics.
Flexibility and Rapid Response
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and athletes might need to change their training schedules or require urgent help. TOPS is designed to be flexible and responsive to these needs:
1. Plan Modifications: If athletes need to change their training plans, they can ask TOPS for approval. This needs to be done in advance, ideally at least 10 days before the new plan starts.
2. Emergency Funding: If there’s an emergency, like an injury, athletes can get quick access to extra money from a special fund. This ensures they get the help they need right away.
Domestic and International Training
Training at home and abroad is a big part of how TOPS helps athletes. Here’s how it works:
1. Support Staff: Athletes can have their own physiotherapists and other support staff. These helpers travel with them and assist them during training and competitions. TOPS makes sure there’s enough money in the budget to pay for these support staff.
2. Competitions: When athletes travel for competitions, they can take their coaches and sometimes even a parent or guardian, if needed. This helps them stay focused and perform their best.
The Importance of TOPS
TOPS is more than just a program; it’s a big step towards making India a strong contender at the Olympics. By giving our best athletes all the help they need, TOPS aims to bring more Olympic medals to India. Here’s why TOPS is so important:
1. Focused Support: TOPS identifies athletes who have the best chances of winning and gives them focused support. This means that the resources are used where they can make the biggest difference.
2. Holistic Approach: The support from TOPS covers every aspect of an athlete’s life—from training and competition to health and wellbeing. This holistic approach ensures that athletes can focus entirely on their performance.
3. Building Confidence: Knowing that they have the support of the country behind them boosts athletes’ confidence. They can train without worrying about finances or other issues, allowing them to concentrate fully on their sport.
4. Encouraging Young Athletes: Seeing the support and success of TOPS athletes inspires young athletes across the country. They see that with hard work and dedication, they too can get support to reach their dreams.
Stories of Success
TOPS has already helped many athletes achieve great success. Let’s look at a few inspiring stories:
P.V. Sindhu: P.V. Sindhu, one of India’s top badminton players, received support from TOPS. With the help of the program, she trained hard and won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Neeraj Chopra: Neeraj Chopra, the javelin thrower, also benefited from TOPS. His rigorous training and support from TOPS helped him win a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, making him a national hero.
Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu received extensive support from TOPS, which played a significant role in her winning the silver medal in weightlifting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
These stories show how TOPS is making a real difference in the lives of athletes and helping India shine on the world stage.
Conclusion
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is a shining example of how focused support and investment can help athletes achieve their dreams and bring glory to the nation. By providing top athletes with the resources, training, and care they need, TOPS is helping India become a strong competitor at the Olympics. The success of athletes like P.V. Sindhu, Neeraj Chopra, and Mirabai Chanu is a testament to the power of this program.
Through TOPS, India is not just aiming for Olympic medals but also inspiring a new generation of athletes. With continued support and dedication, there’s no doubt that TOPS will help many more athletes achieve their dreams and make India proud. The journey of Indian athletes to the Olympic podium is filled with hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of programs like TOPS, which make these dreams possible.
Are you a parent who wants to support your child's dream of becoming a sports champion? Learn more here about: Sports Authority of India Schemes
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