With only four months left for the Tokyo Olympics, the Mission Olympic Cell has sanctioned Rs 50,000 per athlete as an out-of-pocket allowance for the members of the Indian men’s and women’s hockey team under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). A total of 58 hockey players—33 in men’s and 25 in women’s team—will benefit from it.
The decision is touted as a big morale booster for India’s athletes as they look to make a strong push to win India’s first Olympic medal in the sport since 1980.
Captain of Indian men’s hockey team, Manpreet Singh while expressing his elation said, “This is a big incentive for all the players in the Men’s Core Group who are preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games. We are very elated on hearing about this news and would like to thank the government. We have many players who come from stringent economic backgrounds and such allowances will help them pursue the sport through to the Olympic Games without any hindrance.”
This will be the first time that the women’s team will be considered under TOPS for OPA.
Captain, Women’s Hockey team, Rani Rampal hailed the decision to bring the women’s team under TOPS saying, “This is the first time the entire Women’s Hockey Core Group has been included in the TOPS Scheme and we are very thankful to the government. This decision taken today goes to show that Women’s Hockey is equally important, and we are being given equal benefits which is a big encouragement for us. This will be a huge encouragement to the core group who are preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games.”
Gyanendro Ningombam, President, Hockey India said, “On behalf of Hockey India, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for approving OPA. This will certainly be a big encouragement for the players ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games.”
“This is the for the first time that the entire Women’s Hockey Core Group has been included in the TOPS and we are very thankful to the government.”