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Context: Deepika Kumari, a former world number one archer, has been re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group by the Sports Ministry following her impressive comeback and recent achievements in international competitions.

About Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) aimed at providing comprehensive support to India's elite athletes to win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Establishment and Objectives

• The TOPS scheme was launched in September 2014 to enhance India's performance at the Olympics.
• The scheme was revamped in April 2018 to establish a dedicated technical support team for managing TOPS athletes and providing holistic support.
• The primary objective of TOPS is to identify and support elite athletes capable of achieving podium finishes at major international events, including the Olympics and Paralympics.

Selection Process

• A committee, named TOPS Elite Athletes' Identification Committee, was constituted to identify elite athletes with podium potential.
• The committee comprises eminent athletes, sports administrators from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and officials from MYAS.
• Athletes are selected based on their performance, potential, and capability to win medals at international competitions.

Support Provided

• Financial Assistance: Athletes under the TOPS scheme receive financial support, including a monthly stipend of Rs. 50,000, to cover training expenses, international competitions, foreign training, and equipment.
• Customized Training Programs: The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) under TOPS approves customized training programs for athletes based on individual needs and requirements.
• Monitoring and Review: The MOC regularly monitors and reviews athletes' progress, performance, and training programs to ensure optimal support.

Conclusion

• Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides elite athletes with vital resources and support, aiming to enhance India's Olympic and Paralympic success through strategic planning and targeted assistance.

Source:

The Hindu

Sports Authority of India

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): 1. TOPS aims to provide financial and logistical support to elite Indian athletes for Olympic success. 2. TOPS have separate core and development groups for athletes at different stages of their careers. 3. Only athletes who have already qualified for the Olympics are included in the TOPS program. 4. TOPS consider performance in international events like World Cups and Asian Games for selection. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: C