Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Rajasthan has produced several internationally recognised athletes and Olympic medalists who have brought pride to both the state and the country. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore became Rajasthan's first Olympic medalist after winning a silver medal in shooting at the Athens Olympics 2004, while para-athletes like Avani Lekhara and Devendra Jhajharia have also created history at the Paralympic Games. To strengthen Rajasthan's presence at international sporting events and prepare future Olympic medal winners, the Rajasthan Government launched the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme (RTOPS) during the Rajasthan Budget 2024-25.

Rajasthan Government has launched the Rajasthan RTOPS as a major sports development initiative to prepare talented athletes of the state for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 (LA28) and other international sporting events. The scheme was announced during the Rajasthan Budget 2024-25 with the objective of identifying young sports talent and providing them with international-standard training, coaching, sports infrastructure, and financial support.

Under the scheme, the state government will establish Mission Olympics-2028 to support selected athletes with world-class sports facilities and high-performance training. The scheme has been designed on the lines of the Central Government's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to help Rajasthan athletes compete at the highest international level and improve the state's representation in global sporting events.

The 2028 Summer Olympics, officially known as LA28, will be held in Los Angeles, United States. Through Rajasthan RTOPS, the government aims to prepare athletes capable of representing India and Rajasthan at the Los Angeles Olympic Games 2028 by providing advanced coaching, scientific support, physiotherapy, nutrition guidance, rehabilitation support, and modern sports infrastructure facilities.

To strengthen athlete development, the Rajasthan Government will establish the Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE) in Jaipur, where selected athletes will receive specialised coaching, scientific support, and modern sports facilities. The centre will adopt international best practices for Olympic preparation and provide advanced training support, including physiotherapy, sports nutrition, psychological counselling, sports medicine assistance, rehabilitation, recovery support, and scientific performance analysis.

Under Rajasthan RTOPS, a maximum of 50 talented athletes from different sports disciplines will be selected for Olympic preparation. Selected players will receive sports kits, accommodation, food facilities, modern sports equipment, travel support, boarding and lodging facilities, and an out-of-pocket allowance up to Rs. 25,000 per month. Athletes may also receive training opportunities at reputed national and international sports training centres according to their performance and requirements.

The scheme also promotes inclusive sports development by reserving up to 20% seats for para-athletes. Athletes will be selected through multiple categories, including Olympic participants, international medalists, Khelo India athletes, national medalists, and talented players identified through open trials and state-level competitions. Preference will be given to gold medal winners and athletes with outstanding sports achievements.

Through the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme, the state government aims to create a strong sports ecosystem for athlete development, encourage youth participation in sports, and prepare future Olympic medal winners from Rajasthan. The scheme reflects the government's long-term vision of strengthening sports excellence and promoting Rajasthan athletes at international sporting platforms.

Scheme Benefits

• Selected athletes will receive world-class coaching and advanced sports training facilities.
• Athletes will receive sports kits and modern sports equipment.
• Financial assistance of up to Rs. 25,000 per month will be provided as an out-of-pocket allowance.
• Selected players will receive accommodation, food, boarding, lodging, and other required facilities.
• Physiotherapy, sports nutrition, psychological support, medical facilities, rehabilitation, and recovery assistance will be provided.
• Scientific support and performance monitoring will be provided during training.
• Athletes may receive training at national and international sports training centres.
• Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE) in Jaipur will provide high-level sports training facilities.
• High Performance Coaches, Chief Coaches, Nutritionists, Sports Medicine Doctors, Psychologists, Sports Scientists, and support staff will assist athletes.
• Travel assistance for participation in national and international competitions may also be provided.

Government Expenditure Structure Under Rajasthan RTOPS

Under the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme (RTOPS), the Rajasthan Government will provide financial and infrastructure support to selected athletes for Olympic preparation, training, coaching, accommodation, travel, sports science support, and other related facilities. The following expenditure limits have been prescribed for different athlete categories under the scheme:

• Level-I Athletes: The government may spend up to Rs. 25 lakh annually on each athlete.
• Level-II Athletes: The government may spend up to Rs. 20 lakh annually on each athlete.
• Level-III Athletes: The government may spend up to Rs. 15 lakh annually on each athlete.
• Level-IV Athletes: The government may spend up to Rs. 10 lakh annually on each athlete.

The expenditure amount may include coaching expenses, training costs, accommodation, boarding and lodging, travel assistance, sports kits, physiotherapy, nutrition support, sports medicine facilities, rehabilitation support, scientific performance monitoring, and participation in national or international competitions.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant should be a resident of Rajasthan.
• Minimum age of the athlete should be 14 years.
• Applicant should be a talented athlete or sportsperson.
• Athletes receiving assistance under the Central Government TOPS Scheme will not be eligible.
• Sports achievements and medals obtained from 2018-19 onwards will be considered valid.
• Preference will be given to gold medal winners in sports competitions.
• Para-athletes are also eligible under the reserved category provisions.

Selection Categories Under RTOPS

• Level-I: Participants and medalists of the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Cups, and Championships conducted during the last four years.
• Level-II: Athletes selected under the Khelo India Scheme.
• Level-III: National medalist athletes, including Rajasthan athletes admitted in other State Centres of Excellence.
• Level-IV: Talented athletes identified through open trials, state-level competitions, Khelo Rajasthan, and the State Talent Identification and Development Committee (STIDC).
• Transparent selection guidelines will be prepared for Level-IV athlete selection through trials and competitions.

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card
• Rajasthan Residence Certificate
• Sports Achievement Certificates
• Passport Size Photograph
• Mobile Number
• Bank Account Details
• Age Proof Certificate
• Disability Certificate (For Para Athletes)

Steps to Apply

• Talented athletes of Rajasthan can participate in state-level competitions, Khelo Rajasthan events, open sports trials, and other recognised tournaments for selection under Rajasthan RTOPS.
• The State Talent Identification and Development Committee (STIDC) will identify promising athletes based on their sports performance, achievements, and Olympic potential.
• Olympic participants, international medalists, Khelo India athletes, national medal winners, and talented players from state competitions may be considered for selection.
• Eligible athletes may need to submit sports achievement certificates, age proof, Aadhaar Card, Rajasthan residence proof, and other required documents.
• The final list of selected athletes will be reviewed and approved by the Rajasthan Mission Olympics Committee (RMOC).
• After selection, athletes will receive training, coaching, sports science support, accommodation facilities, and financial assistance under the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme.
• Selected athletes may also be provided training opportunities at Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE), Jaipur, and other national or international training centres.

Rajasthan Mission Olympics Committee (RMOC)

• Rajasthan Mission Olympics Committee (RMOC) has been constituted for the implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
• Principal Secretary, Sports will act as Chairman of the committee.
• Rajasthan State Sports Council secretary will serve as Member Secretary.
• The committee includes Olympians, international players, coaches, sports scientists, and representatives of sports associations.
• RMOC will approve programmes and recommend financial assistance for athletes.
• The committee will continuously monitor athlete performance and training progress.
• Regular athlete progress reporting and performance review mechanisms will be implemented under the scheme.
• STIDC will identify sports talent and submit the final list of athletes to RMOC for approval.
• The committee will also make decisions regarding urgent and special requirements of athletes.

Relevant Links

• Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme Official Guidelines.
• Rajasthan Department of Youth Affairs Portal.

Contact Information

• Rajasthan Department of Youth Affairs Phone Number: 0141-223961
• Rajasthan Department of Youth Affairs Email Helpdesk: [email protected]