MOC can be revisiting an earlier proposal to introduce a Goal Asian Video games Podium Scheme.
The Indian authorities is considering a extra selective strategy to funding Olympic hopefuls via the Goal Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Following India’s efficiency on the Paris Olympics, the place the nation received six medals, discussions throughout the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) are shifting in direction of “slicing the flab” to make sure assets give attention to athletes with real medal-winning potential as per Indian Specific.
Slimmer Choice Standards
At current, roughly 300 athletes throughout core and developmental teams profit from TOPS, which offers funding and different help. Nonetheless, MOC officers point out that this quantity could also be lowered by as much as half if stricter choice parameters are adopted.
The first purpose of those modifications is to prioritise athletes with a transparent probability of securing a podium end, reflecting the scheme’s aim of elevating Indian athletes to Olympic medal competition.
Whereas no particular reductions in funding have been proposed, stricter standards for choice have been recommended as a response to India’s considerably modest exhibiting in Paris. “The important thing benchmark is the power to problem for a medal, because the scheme’s identify implies,” an MOC official defined.
New Accountability Measures
Along with more durable choice standards, the MOC is contemplating including clauses to TOPS contracts that improve accountability. Many athletes, together with some who’ve retired, have but to submit monetary statements detailing bills, leaving round ₹10 crore in unsettled accounts.
Whereas officers belief the athletes’ intentions, they consider these accounts have to be closed in an orderly method. “We have now no doubts over their intent; the cash was sanctioned solely after cautious vetting, however the accounts have to be settled,” stated an official.
Combined Reactions and Issues
The concept of a slimmer, extra focused strategy to funding has garnered blended reactions. Whereas some officers help the give attention to medal-winning athletes, others fear this shift might jeopardise funding for a lot of athletes who’re nonetheless creating their abilities.
Legendary shuttler Prakash Padukone, through the Olympics, had commented on how some athletes might have been “pampered to some extent,” suggesting that this may occasionally have impacted their aggressive drive. The brand new proposal might search to handle this concern by encouraging better accountability and ambition amongst athletes.
Goal Asian Video games Podium Scheme
The MOC can be revisiting an earlier proposal to introduce a Goal Asian Video games Podium Scheme. This initiative would help athletes able to medalling on the continental stage however who may not but be at an Olympic stage. This addition might guarantee a broader pool of athletes continues to obtain help whereas maintaining the main focus of TOPS strictly on Olympic potential.
Because the MOC divides into sub-committees to develop insurance policies tailor-made to particular disciplines, the way forward for Indian Olympic preparation appears geared towards a leaner, extra results-oriented strategy. With a renewed give attention to accountability, efficiency, and medal-winning potential, TOPS goals to spice up India’s presence on the Olympic podium within the years to come back.
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