Will Senior Men's and Women's Hockey Players Receive Rs 25,000 Monthly as OPA?
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Synopsis
The Sports Ministry's latest initiative recognizes the efforts of senior men's and women's hockey players by providing a monthly allowance to support their training and preparation for international competitions. This financial assistance is a significant step towards acknowledging their hard work and achievements on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
- The MOC has approved a monthly OPA of Rs 25,000 for senior hockey players.
- This initiative supports 80 athletes, split evenly between men and women.
- Funding is part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
- Hockey India will manage player eligibility submissions.
- This move acknowledges the recent achievements of Indian hockey teams.
New Delhi, June 20 (NationPress) The Ministry of Sports' Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has sanctioned a monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA) of Rs 25,000 for senior men’s and women’s hockey athletes. This decision was made during the 156th MOC meeting held on Thursday.
This financial aid has been approved for 80 hockey players—40 men and 40 women—who are currently training at the national camps under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The initiative's total monthly cost will reach Rs 20 lakh, according to ministry sources.
As part of the arrangement, Hockey India will forward a list of eligible players to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) each month.
This initiative is viewed as a recognition of the Indian men’s hockey team's achievements in recent times, including winning consecutive Olympic bronze medals at Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020, along with a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023.
Both the men's and women's teams were included in the core group under TOPS in 2023. However, owing to the extensive roster of players, they will receive Rs 25,000 monthly, similar to the development group athletes, as per sources.
Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), the government offers support to India's elite athletes as they prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Athletes selected for this program receive funding from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for tailored training and additional support not provided by standard Ministry schemes.
Core group athletes are granted an OPA of Rs 50,000 per month, while those in the development group receive Rs 25,000. In addition to the OPA, all expenses related to the training plans submitted by athletes, which are reviewed and approved by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), are covered under TOPS.
Point of View
I commend the Sports Ministry's decision to support our senior hockey players. This financial aid not only recognizes their hard work but also empowers them to reach new heights in international competitions. It is crucial that we continue to invest in our athletes, ensuring that they have the resources they need to excel.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA)?
The Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA) is a financial support provided to athletes to cover their training expenses and other costs that arise during their preparation for competitions.
How many players will receive the OPA?
A total of 80 players, consisting of 40 men and 40 women, will receive the Rs 25,000 monthly allowance.
What is the purpose of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)?
The TOPS aims to provide support to India's top athletes to enhance their training and preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
When was the decision to allocate the OPA made?
The decision was made during the 156th Mission Olympic Cell meeting held on June 20.
How will the athletes be selected for the OPA?
Hockey India will submit the list of eligible players to the Sports Authority of India each month.
