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File No. CS-SPC-001 · Central Scheme · Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

Target Olympic Podium Scheme — TOPS

Comprehensive support for India's elite Olympic and Paralympic medal prospects — customised coaching, international competition exposure, equipment, and a monthly allowance.

Note: TOPS is a highly selective, invitation-based scheme for athletes who already have podium-level potential — it isn't something a beginner applies to directly. If you're an aspiring young athlete just starting out, Khelo India is the scheme built for early talent identification and development.

What this scheme offers

Launched in September 2014 and significantly revamped in 2018, TOPS identifies athletes with genuine potential to win medals at the Olympics and Paralympics, then funds everything needed to get them there: customised training under top coaches at world-class facilities, international competition and training exposure, specialist equipment (matched to a centre-specific gap analysis), medical and nutritional support, and rapid-response logistics — the scheme famously arranged urgent last-minute travel for an athlete before a 2020 pre-Olympics flight restriction. Selected athletes receive a monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance: ₹50,000 for the Core Group (India's top medal contenders) and ₹25,000 for the Development Group (medal prospects for future Games). TOPS is funded through the National Sports Development Fund and works alongside Khelo India, and its athletes have won over 1,500 medals across the Olympics, Paralympics, World Games and Commonwealth Games since inception.

Who is eligible

  • Athletes with a demonstrated record of podium-level performance at national or international competitions, in one of TOPS's priority disciplines (Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Hockey, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling, and their Para equivalents).
  • Selection is not by open application — the TOPS Elite Athletes' Identification Committee shortlists candidates based on performance data and future medal potential.
  • Athletes are placed in either the Core Group (immediate medal contenders) or Development Group (future prospects for upcoming Games cycles).

How the selection process works

  1. National Sports Federations and coaches nominate athletes based on competition performance and trajectory.
  2. The TOPS Elite Athletes' Identification Committee reviews nominations against medal-potential criteria for upcoming Olympic/Paralympic cycles.
  3. Shortlisted athletes are placed in the Core or Development Group and assigned to the Mission Olympic Cell, which meets weekly to review progress.
  4. Once selected, athletes receive individualised training plans, competition calendars, and access to the monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance.
  5. Status is reviewed periodically — athletes can move between groups, or exit the scheme, based on ongoing performance.

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