TOPS in Trouble: Missing Bills Cast ₹8 Crore Cloud Over Elite Sports Funding

Over ₹8 crore of advances under India's Top Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) remain unaccounted for, with athletes and stakeholders failing to provide bills for training, equipment, and travel expenses. The sports ministry pointed out the issue during its recent review and stated that stricter documentation standards need to be put in place to provide transparency on spending.

 

The pending progress is amidst preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) aims to induct new sportspersons under TOPS. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stressed accountability, forcing beneficiaries to pay pending charges or face recovery.

 

This budget deficit indicates system problems in sportsperson support, even as India's sport budget keeps rising to finance Olympic aspirations.

 

Sources: News18, Olympics.com, LinkedIn