Sports Authority of India

The Sports Authority of India (SAI), a successor organization of the IXth Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1982, was set up as a Society registered of Societies Act, 1860 on 25th January 1984 with the objective of promotion of Sports and Games as detailed in the Resolution.

SAI was also entrusted with the development of the following stadiums:

Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex
Indira Gandhi Sports Complex
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Dr. Shyam Prasad Mookherjee Swimming Pool Complex
Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

Objective of the Scheme

A flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, TOPS is an attempt to provide assistance to India’s top athletes. The Scheme looks to add a premium to the preparations of these athletes so that they can win Olympic medals in 2020 and 2024 Olympics.Under the Scheme, the Department of Sports shall identify athletes who are potential medal winners in 2020 / 2024 Olympics.The idea of the Scheme is to also keep an eye in the future and fund a Developmental Group of Athletes who are medal prospects for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Mission Olympic Cell (MOC)

The Mission Olympic Cell is a dedicated body created to assist the athletes who are selected under the TOP Scheme. The MOC is under the Chairmanship of the Director General, Sports Authority (DG, SAI). The idea of the MOC is to debate, discuss and decide the processes and methods so that the athlete receives best assistance. The MOC also focuses on selection, exclusion and retention of athletes, coaches, training institutes that can receive TOPS assistance. Some of the functions that the MOC are enumerated below –

To approve customized programs for athletes chosen under the TOP Scheme.
To recommend financial disbursement for the customized programs.
To support, monitor and review progress of athletes in accordance with the training programs.
To set a regular reporting structure on the athletes’ training program.
To take decisions on sudden and unanticipated requirements/needs of athletes.
To communicate regularly with the athletes on their progress, requirements and perspectives
To engage implementation partner agencies to carry out/execute any or all the above functions.
To ensure documentation/contractual obligations of beneficiaries.
To deliver sponsor/commercial partner/media commitment under the NSDF TOP Scheme