Union Sports Ministry is planning to introduce a two-tier system in its funding procedure for the country’s potential athletes. 

Target Olympics Podium Scheme will be there but according to plans the government will segregate it and launch a new funding scheme which will be called Target Asian Games Group (TAGG).

The motive is to scout and assess those potential athletes who are strong prospects for the Asian Games but not for the Olympics! A close associate of the Union Sports Ministry revealed while speaking to The Indian Express that looking forward to the next Asian Games in 2026 to be held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, TAGG is likely to be introduced shortly 

The restructuring of athletes’ funding has been debated for months after the Paris Olympics within the government as well as the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), a high-powered body that monitors preparations for major multi-discipline competitions.

A separate scheme for the Asian Games was first proposed before the Paris Olympics but the concept didn’t have many takers. However, after India won only six medals at last year’s Games — one silver and five bronze – the idea was back on the table. More so because, less than a year before the Paris Olympics, India for the first time won more than 100 medals at the Asian Games.

“The Asian Games haul didn’t translate into Olympic medals,” a source said. “The feeling was that while we need to make stringent rules for who is eligible for funding under TOPS, we must also encourage athletes who have a genuine chance of winning medals at the Asian Games since they are also important,” The source told Indian Express.

He cited example saying that medals in rowing or athletics are won at the Asian Games but not at the Olympics, except Neeraj Chopra. Similarly, kabaddi is not at the Olympics but it is an important sport for us at the Asiad. 

So, the Sports Ministry is planning in a way there some particular sports persons and teams in particular disciplines who can bring medals from the Asian Games will be provided financial assistance.