Question : Junior Target Olympic Podium Scheme

(a) whether the Government proposes to launch junior Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme to provide financial support to junior level in the country and if so, the details thereof; (b) the criteria adopted for selection of junior athletes to qualify for financial support under the scheme;
(c) the number of the junior athletes who will be benefited under the said scheme;
(d) the other steps taken by the Government to ensure that India must become a global sporting powerhouse; and
(e) the time by which the said scheme is likely to be implemented?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [SHRI KIREN RIJIJU]

(a) The existing Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) covers the junior and sub-junior athletes also. These young upcoming athletes categorised as Development Group under the TOPS are being selected for Paris 2024 and Los Angles 2028 Olympics Games.
(b) Selection of athletes under Developmental Group is being done after extensive research and analysis based on the following parameters: ? Most recent Olympic, World Championship and other key international competitions are analysed to arrive at performance benchmarks specific to each sport. ? Performance analysis of Indian athletes is considered in most recent 23 years with due weightage given to latest performances. ? High performance age is derived by assessing the age of a typical Olympic medallist in each event. ? Feedback from National Sports Federations (NSF’s), National Coaches, National Observers, High Performance Managers and other subject matter experts is taken as applicable. The above analysis is presented before the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), an expert committee, entrusted with the task of inclusion of athletes including those of the Developmental Group in TOPS. MOC is chaired by Director General,Sports Authority of India and includes President-Indian Olympic Association, President/General Secretary of concerned NSFs and various other subject matter experts as its members. (c) Currently 84 athletes across 7 sports have been identified in the Development Group of TOPS. (d) The other major Schemes of the Government being implemented to achieve sporting excellence in international sporting events are:- i) Assistance to National Sports Federations for supporting sportspersons through NSFs for their training, foreign exposures and competitions. ii) Khelo India Scheme aiming at strengthening entire sports ecosystem to promote the twin objective of mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports across the country. (e) Developmental Group covering Junior and Sub Junior athletes under TOPS is already being implemented.

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