As India sharpens its quest for international sporting glory, the revised TOPS list signals a decisive shift—rewarding rising champions, sidelining inconsistent veterans, and placing the nation’s Olympic ambitions firmly on the shoulders of a new generation.
In a major move to bolster India’s hunt for international medals, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has finally updated the rosters for its flagship programs. Ahead of a packed calendar featuring the Commonwealth Games (CWG) and the Asian Games (Asiad), the latest revision of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) has brought much-needed clarity and rewards for the nation’s top performers.
For months, the sporting community had been waiting for these updates. The logic is simple that all the athletes who dominated their fields in 2025 needed the financial and logistical support of the government to maintain their momentum. This week, those athletes got their answer.
Understanding the Support System
Before diving into who is “in” and who is “out,” it is important to understand what these schemes actually do. Think of TOPS as an elite scholarship for India’s best athletes. It provides them with:
- A Monthly Stipend: Core group athletes receive ₹50,000 per month, while developmental athletes get ₹25,000.
- Specialized Training: Funding for foreign exposure, personal coaches, and physiotherapists.
- Equipment and Gear: High-quality ammunition for shooters, specialized rackets for badminton players, and more.
The current breakdown of supported athletes now stands at 56 in the TOPS Core group, 61 in the Para Core group, and 130 in the Development group. Additionally, 54 athletes have been included in the TAGG list, specifically targeting success at the upcoming Asian Games.
The Big Winners: Suruchi Phogat and Samrat Rana
The headline of this revision is undoubtedly the inclusion of young shooting sensations. Suruchi Phogat, who became a household name after sweeping through three World Cup stages and the World Cup Final last year, has finally been inducted into the TOPS Core group. Joining her is Samrat Rana, the 10m Air Pistol World Champion, whose consistent gold-medal performances made his inclusion an absolute necessity.
It isn’t just about the shooters, though. The revision rewards consistency across various disciplines:
- Athletics: Distance runner Gulveer Singh, who shattered national records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events, has been promoted from the development group to the core group.
- Boxing: World Champion Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) has also been upgraded, ensuring she has every resource needed to chase an Olympic podium.
- Badminton: The mixed doubles pair of Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila, currently ranked World No. 20, have secured their spots in the core group.
The “Omissions” That Raised Eyebrows
In the world of elite sports, performance is the only currency. When performance dips, so does government support. This revision saw some high-profile names being moved out of the core list.
The exclusion of veteran badminton star HS Prannoy and wrestler Deepak Punia has sparked discussions. Similarly, shooters Shiva Narwal and Divyansh Panwar found themselves off the list this time around.
While these athletes remain part of the national ecosystem, their removal from TOPS serves as a stern reminder: the scheme is designed for those currently showing the highest potential for an immediate podium finish.
Strengthening the Grassroots
While the Core Group grabs the headlines, the Development Group is where the future of Indian sports is built. Fifty-seven new athletes have been added to this tier.
Among the notable mentions is Devika Sihag, a promising shuttler who won the Thailand Masters in February. The list also includes a strong contingent of boxers like Abhinash Jamwal and Arundhati Chaudhary, and swimmer Rishabh Das, who is currently the only swimmer in the updated list.
These athletes represent the “bench strength” of Indian sports—the champions of 2028 and 2032.
Asian Games and Beyond
The timing of this update is critical. As Niraj Kumar, a member of India’s 3P shooting team, noted, “Being in TOPS Core will be a big help in my preparation for the Asian Games.”
For many, this isn’t just about the money; it’s about the psychological boost of knowing the country stands behind them.
With the inclusion of veterans like Annu Rani (Javelin) and Joshna Chinappa (Squash) in the TAGG list, the government is balancing youthful energy with seasoned experience.
As India gears up for the international stage, the message is clear: if you perform, the nation will invest in you. The ball is now firmly in the athletes’ court.
