In a historic move to revolutionize Indian sports and raise the nation’s Olympic ambitions, the Government of India has announced a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 for 3,000 elite and emerging athletes as part of its long-term mission to secure a top-five finish in the 2036 Olympic Games.
The initiative, launched under the revamped Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) 2.0, aims to provide direct financial assistance, enabling athletes to focus solely on training, nutrition, recovery, and international exposure — without the burden of financial stress.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, while unveiling the policy, said:
“This is not just funding — it is an investment in India’s sporting future. We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best nations at the 2036 Olympics.”
- Monthly Support: ₹50,000 each for 3,000 athletes
- Focus Areas: Athletics, wrestling, boxing, shooting, archery, badminton, and emerging Olympic disciplines
- Talent Pool: Includes national medalists, junior champions, and para-athletes
- Implementation: Jointly managed by Sports Authority of India (SAI) and national sports federations
India finished 33rd in the medal tally at Tokyo 2020 and is now aiming to break into the global top 5 by 2036 — an ambitious leap driven by infrastructure, coaching excellence, and sustained grassroots development.
The stipend will cover essential expenses like training gear, diet, physiotherapy, and travel, with regular performance reviews to maintain high standards.
Sports analysts have welcomed the move, calling it a game-changer for athlete retention and development. If executed effectively, this policy could reshape India’s Olympic narrative and turn the country into a true sporting superpower by 2036.
