There is no shortage of talent in any field in India. The people of this country have shown their skills in various fields. Sports But this is no exception. The players of this country have a treasure trove of talents. Everyone knows this. But even then Indian players fail to lose medals in big tournaments. It’s not that these players don’t work hard. Indian players have been working hard for decades. Sweating for hours on the field. The career of the players who have achieved success is their identity.
However their numbers are less than they should have been. Due to lack of proper arrangements, lack of infrastructure and financial constraints, they could not give due place to the hard work of the players. This story has changed in the last 8 years or it is getting better instead. The reason is the Narendra Modi government’s target podium (Target Podium Scheme) Scheme (TOPS) Is.
India has won 8 gold medals in hockey. But if the sport is put aside, India won its first Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While Abhinav Bindra gave India a medal in shooting. India’s medal tally in the Olympics is very small and it confronts us with the bitter truth. This means that India did not have the necessary infrastructure nor did the players have the necessary funds. That is why so many talented players are left behind and few achievements point to the fact that it will take a long time for India to reach the powerhouse countries of the game – America, London and China.
TOPS, Khelo India changes ‘picture’ of sports in India
But things have changed in the last few years and the success of the multi-sports tournament shows this. The reason is the target podium scheme (Target Podium Scheme) Is. In 2014, when Narendra Modi was at the center (Narendra Modi) One of the major decisions of the government was to implement this plan. The purpose of the scheme was to identify the talents of athletes who have the potential to win Olympic medals and then cultivate them. After TOPS, the government launched the Khelo India scheme to provide a platform for young and talented players. Which started in 2017-18. In addition, Fit India in 2019 (Fit India Movement) The movement also played an important role in giving a new direction to sports in India. Today this government has completed its 8 years at the Center. In these 8 years, India has come a long way in the world of sports.
Sports Authority of India took responsibility
Sports Authority of India (SAI) Was responsible for the implementation of these plans. SAI implemented these plans and the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) Also started. Led by the Director General of SAI. The MoC was formed on the basis of a report by a task force formed to plan for the future Olympic Games after the Rio Olympics 2016.
TOPS The biggest feature of is its transparent selection process. Players were shortlisted from different levels of tournament and then given special training. As well as their abilities were improved. Badminton player PV Sindhu (Silver at Rio Olympics and Bronze at Tokyo Olympics)Witness Malik (Bronze at the Rio Olympics)Bajrang Poonia (Gold in 2018 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, Silver in World Championships)Vinesh Fogat (Gold in Asian and Commonwealth Games)Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu (2017 World Championship, 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold, Tokyo Olympics Silver). Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra (Gold medal at 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Commonwealth, Asian Games) Has benefited a lot from TOPS.
Para athletes also got help
Tops para-athletes too (TOPS) Got the benefit of An amount of Rs 8.2 crore was provided to para athletes under this scheme. These players were provided all the facilities like coaching camps, training abroad. The selected players in the core group were given Rs 50,000 per month. While the players involved in the development group were given Rs 25,000 per month. Athletes assisted by TOPS won 69 medals at the 2018 Asian Games and performed at their best. Out of which 15 Gold, 24 Silver, 30 Bronze medals were won. At the 2018 Asian Para Games, India won 72 medals. Out of which 15 were Gold, 24 Silver and 33 Bronze medals. The performance was better than the 2010 and 2014 Asian Para Games. Currently 80 athletes and 20 para athletes are in the main group of TOPS and are taking advantage of this scheme. So a total of 250 players are involved in this development.
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