Overlooked Talents: India's In-Form Shooters and Boxers Await Inclusion in Olympic Scheme
As the dust settles on the 2025 sports season, a concerning oversight by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has come to light. Despite stellar performances by top Indian athletes in shooting and boxing, many of them have been overlooked in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), a government program designed to support athletes in their quest for Olympic success.
Shooting Stars in the Dark
The most glaring omission is that of Suruchi Phogat, a 19-year-old pistol shooter who claimed three individual World Cup titles and a World Cup Final gold, rising to world No.1 in September. Phogat's first World Cup medal was won in April, and her impressive results have been ignored by the MOC. Another notable exclusion is Samrat Rana, who made history by winning the 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo in November and bagging a mixed team silver in the event with Esha Singh.
Boxing Champions Left Out
The women's 48kg world champion, Minakshi Hooda, and 57kg world champion Jaismine Lamboria, both missing from the TOPS program, are also examples of this oversight. Their impressive results in the World Boxing Championships in September have not been recognized by the MOC.
North East Connection and Broader Implications
The neglect of these talented athletes has implications not only for their individual careers but also for the broader sports landscape in India. The North East region, home to many exceptional athletes, is particularly affected as Suruchi Phogat hails from Haryana, a state that shares borders with several North East states. The region has produced numerous world-class athletes, and it is crucial that they receive the support they deserve to continue excelling on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
The Asian Games, scheduled in Japan in September 2026, are a crucial preparatory time for top athletes. With the MOC promising to review the TOPS list in their next meeting on January 14, there is hope that these overlooked talents will finally receive the recognition and support they deserve. The sports community in India and the North East region will be closely watching the developments in the coming months.