NEW DELHI: The Sports Ministry on Thursday said it has spent a total of Rs328.1 million so far under the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme, which was rolled out in March 2015, for assisting athletes preparing for the Olympics.
"A total amount of Rs32.81 crore was released till date under the scheme for training and other support of these selected athletes," the Sports Ministry said, responding to a question in the Parliament.
The ministry also said it has earmarked Rs3.0218 billion for national sports federations for the financial year 2017-18.
"The budget estimate provision for 2017-18 under the Scheme of assistance to NSFs is Rs 302.18 crore," it said.
The government in March, 2015 had rolled out its ambitious TOP scheme to provide financial assistance to the 2016 Olympics medal prospects for their specialised world class training and top-level competition.
Under the TOP scheme, any athlete selected has been provided specialised training under a renowned coach in India or abroad, funding participation in top level competitions, purchase of equipment and food supplements, access to world- class medical experts and sports scientists.
Asked about the criteria adopted to select the athletes, the ministry said: "These athletes were identified through a process of research and in consultation with the concerned stakeholders. Benchmark for selection of these athletes under the scheme was their performance in relation to the international standard.
"The selection was not just on the basis of reputation, national rank, performance in Commonwealth and Asian Games only, but their current performance, consistency, fitness and the laid down bench mark."
The ministry, however, made it clear that it has not yet set any medal targets for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, although it has set up a task force for the next three Olympic Games.
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