Indian Athletes' TOPS Exclusion: A Concerning Trend
The recent exclusion of top Indian athletes, including shooters Suruchi Phogat and Samrat Rana, from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has raised eyebrows in the sports community. Despite stellar performances, these athletes were overlooked, leading to concerns about the selection process.
Shooting: A Glaring Omission
The discipline most affected by this decision is shooting, which brought India three medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Phogat, a 19-year-old phenom, won three individual World Cup titles and a World Cup Final gold, rising to world No.1 in September. Rana, another rising star, became the first Indian to win the 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo in November. Despite their impressive performances, neither Phogat nor Rana made it to either the TOPS Core Group or Development Group.
Boxing: Missed Opportunities
The women's 48kg world champion, Minakshi Hooda, and 57kg world champion Jaismine Lamboria, who also won three international titles, were also overlooked. The exclusion of these boxing champions raises questions about the selection criteria and the potential for missed opportunities in the lead-up to the 2026 Asian Games.
Wrestling and Other Disciplines
In wrestling, the core group includes Paris Olympian Reetika Hooda, who tested positive for doping in July and is currently under provisional suspension. The TOPS Core Group in other disciplines like archery, athletics, table tennis, and wrestling saw some additions, but there were no changes in boxing since April.
North East India and the Broader Indian Context
The exclusion of these athletes, particularly those from Northeast India like Suruchi Phogat and Minakshi Hooda, could have significant implications for the region. The TOPS programme is a crucial initiative for Indian athletes aiming to compete at the Olympic level. The exclusion of these promising talents could discourage other athletes from Northeast India from pursuing their Olympic dreams.
Reflections and the Road Ahead
The MOC has stated that athletes are included in the TOPS programme based on their performances over a six-month period. The next MOC meeting is scheduled for January 14, where these cases will be discussed. It is essential that the selection process is transparent and fair, ensuring that deserving athletes receive the support they need to excel.
The exclusion of top performers like Phogat and Rana from the TOPS programme is a cause for concern. It is crucial that the selection process is reviewed to ensure that deserving athletes are not overlooked in the future. The success of Indian athletes at the international level depends on the support they receive, and the TOPS programme plays a vital role in this regard.