The Target Olympic Podium Scheme is being overhauled, with the Union government planning a major expansion in athlete coverage and closer performance checks. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the talent pool under TOPS will grow sharply by 2032 and again by 2036.
Mandaviya stressed that sports with large Olympic medal potential must benefit more from the development pipeline. Disciplines such as aquatics, cycling and gymnastics will see stronger backing so that India can build depth and long-term competitiveness across these events.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) expansion and new selection framework
According to the Minister, the TOPS system will raise its total pool to 3000 athletes by 2032, keeping a core-to-development ratio of 1:5. The strength is planned to go up further to 5000 athletes by 2036,
with more places reserved for emerging talent.
Mandaviya told media persons, "We need to have more athletes in the development group to create bench strength. The committee will be meeting once in every three months to evaluate the performance. We have drawn up the guidelines to select the athletes. " The Mission Olympic Cell will carry out these quarterly reviews.
TOPS currently supports 399 athletes across different categories, including para and hockey groups. The government scheme funds training, competition exposure and support services for elite and developing athletes preparing for global events such as the Olympics and Asian Games.
| Category | Number of athletes |
|---|---|
| Core group | 51 |
| Para core group | 62 |
| Development group | 166 |
| Target Asian Games Group | 57 |
| Hockey players | 63 |
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) link with Khelo India and CWG plans
Mandaviya added, "The number of athletes in the development group will increase, with a structured progression plan to transition them into the core Group within the next five years. " Sports Authority of India officials said this pipeline would give clearer promotion paths to more athletes.
SAI stated that a detailed plan is being framed to bring outstanding performers from Khelo India and other sports leagues into the TOPS Development Group. The roadmap is designed to help these athletes move, in stages, from domestic platforms into the TOPS core group.
Mandaviya also addressed upcoming Commonwealth Games plans after meeting a Commonwealth Sport delegation led by President Donald Rukare. Mandaviya said that India will showcase traditional disciplines when the Commonwealth Games return in 2030 with a full sports schedule.
Mandaviya said, "Kabaddi, Mallakhamb, Kho-Kho and Yogasana are under consideration among our indigenous sports. Two of them will make the cut as per the CWG policy. " For CWG 2030, sports like hockey and cricket are expected to be part of the 17-sport programme.
Officials acknowledged that the Mission Olympic Cell had been slow in adding some strong performers to TOPS during the previous year, with an updated list finalised only last month. The revamped system and regular appraisals aim to reduce such delays and give athletes more predictable support cycles.
With clear targets set for 2032 and 2036, the TOPS redesign, integration of Khelo India talent and planned support for high-impact disciplines present a tighter framework. The government expects these adjustments to help more athletes receive structured backing for Olympic and Commonwealth campaigns.
