TOP scheme will hopefully make a difference
The Government’s intent to launch a new Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme this month is welcome. Importantly, the focus of this renewed scheme is to improve upon timing and purpose so that our prospective sportspersons hone their skills well in advance for the next three Olympics and also other major events like the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. Though this scheme was in force for the 2016 Rio Olympic games, but since it was launched barely a year-and-half before the games, it could not really help many of our sportspersons. The unfolding of the scheme, way ahead of the next Olympics, will raise India's chances of winning more medals. Needless to say, the Union Government is trying to set the timing of the programme right so that various technicalities can be addressed. Simultaneously, an attempt has also been made to bring sports under the Concurrent list of the Constitution. This move has been in the pipeline for a long time, but has failed to see the light of the day due to lack of consensus among the States. Currently, sports is a subject that comes under the States list of the Constitution. The inclusion of sports into the concurrent list is desirable because this will further streamline the process of selection, preparation and raising of funds for various sports events across the country. Some sports experts and veterans in the field feel that this step will provide a new dimension to India's sports. While preparing for world-class games like the Olympics, Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, combined efforts of the States and also the Centre will eliminate many hurdles.
Before unfolding the TOP scheme, certain issues need to be addressed. The Ministry concerned and departments must ensure that the sportspersons get early approval of basic minimum facilities required to start preparation. When we talk about providing world-class facilities to our players, we need to remind the authorities that during the run up to the Rio Olympics, many of the players complained about the lack of funds and facilities. Sadly, some of them were receiving fat cash awards after winning medals and were promoted to the level of national heroes overnight. Besides, there was a big tug of war among top sports bodies, when one or two athletes failed the drug test hours before the beginning of the Rio games. It is good that the Union Government is talking with respective States to nurture sportspersons in specific fields. Such efforts will not only help locate fresh talent, but will also provide state-of-the art facilities to the players. Meanwhile, the Government is also planning to enter into a partnership with academies, run by prominent sportspersons like P Gopichand, Ashwini Nachappa, PT Usha and Mary Kom, for assisting players in various fields. Strengthening the national sports fund and its proper utilisation should make a significant difference to India’s performance in the coming Olympics.