Pramod Bhagat Secures Place in Target Olympic Podium Scheme After Sixth World Title
Paralympic gold medalist and six‑time World Champion Pramod Bhagat has been inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), a flagship initiative designed to enhance India’s medal prospects at the Olympics.
The Mission Olympic Cell, chaired by NS Johl, recently reviewed athlete performances and added eight new names to the scheme, while removing several underperformers.
Bhagat’s inclusion comes on the heels of his remarkable comeback at the World Championships, reaffirming his dominance in para badminton.
TOPS currently supports 56 athletes across disciplines, offering a monthly allowance of Rs 50,000, international training opportunities, and a $25 daily allowance during overseas competitions.
Alongside Bhagat, new inductees include pistol shooter Samrat Rana, runner Gulveer Singh, rifle shooter Neeraj Kumar, mixed doubles pair Tanisha Crasto & Dhruv Kapila, and boxer Jasmyn Lamboria.
Meanwhile, notable exclusions such as HS Prannoy, Divyansh Panwar, and Deepak Punia highlight the program’s performance‑driven approach.
Bhagat’s selection underscores his resilience and India’s renewed focus on para sports as the nation gears up for future Olympic challenges.
