A financial audit by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has identified several irregularities, with many athletes failing to submit the required bills for advance funds granted for foreign coaching and competition trips under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
The matter was brought to light and discussed during the 155th meeting of the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), held in New Delhi on Wednesday.
During the meeting, it was revealed that funds totaling around ₹8 crore remain unaccounted for, as beneficiaries have failed to provide supporting bills and expenditure statements despite repeated reminders, according to a source cited by IANS.
It was decided that appropriate measures would be taken to ensure athletes submit their pending bills. The meeting also proposed that, in case of continued non-compliance, the unaccounted amount be deducted from any future cash rewards for the sportspersons.
In light of the large sum still unaccounted for, there was also a suggestion that proposals from defaulting beneficiaries should not be cleared.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) cleared 56 proposals for financial assistance from sportspersons under the TOPS Core group. The MOC approved 56 proposals across TOPS, TEAMS, and TAGG (Target Asian Games Group) disciplines, amounting to ₹4.37 crore in financial assistance.
Among the approved athletes was long jumper Shaili Singh, who will compete in the UAE Grand Prix and UAE Athletics Women’s Gala in May. Boxer Nikhat Zareen received support for a 17-day training camp in Tashkent with Uzbekistan’s elite women’s team, covering travel and related expenses.
Table tennis players Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula were granted assistance to participate in the ITTF World Championship in Doha from May 17–25.
Equestrian Fouaad Mirza, a 2018 Asian Games silver medallist, secured funding to compete in 18 international events until December 2025. The proposal includes costs for travel, lodging, and coaching.
15-year-old tennis player Maaya Rajeswaran received approval for assistance to compete in 22 international tournaments and train at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain. She is currently the youngest Indian in the WTA top 700.
Fencer Bhavani Devi was also sanctioned support for a 150-day training camp in Italy under coach Cristian Bauer, along with participation in five global competitions.
IANS
