Mumbai, April 30 (NationPress) A recent financial audit conducted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) into the advance payments allocated to athletes for overseas training and competition under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has uncovered significant discrepancies, as many recipients have not provided the necessary invoices.

This issue was highlighted during the 155th session of the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), which took place in New Delhi on Wednesday.

During the meeting, it was disclosed that approximately Rs 8 crore in funds remain unaccounted due to the beneficiaries' failure to submit supporting documents for their expenses, despite numerous reminders, according to insider sources.

The meeting concluded with a decision to implement measures ensuring that the athletes comply with the bill submission process. It was also proposed that if the beneficiaries continue to neglect their responsibilities, the unaccounted amounts would be deducted from future cash incentives awarded to these athletes, as per reports.

Given the substantial amount of unaccounted funds, there was a recommendation that proposals from non-compliant athletes should be rejected.

On a different note, the MOC approved 56 funding proposals for athletes under the TOPS Core program, amounting to Rs 4.37 crore.

Among the approved proposals was long jumper Shaili Singh, who requested financial support to participate in the UAE Grand Prix on May 9 and the UAE Athletics Women’s Gala on May 11, 2025.

Additionally, boxer Nikhat Zareen received funding for a 17-day international training camp in Tashkent alongside Uzbekistan’s elite women’s team from May 8 to 23, covering her airfare, accommodation, and other related expenses.

Other beneficiaries include table tennis athletes Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula, who secured funding for the ITTF World Championship in Doha, Qatar, from May 17 to 25.

Fouaad Mirza, a silver medalist from the 2018 Asian Games in equestrian, will also receive financial backing for competing in 18 events until December 2025, which will cover entry fees and travel expenses.

Furthermore, 15-year-old tennis player Maaya Rajeswaran had her application approved for financial assistance for 22 international competitions and training at the renowned Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain until December 2025. Maaya is currently the youngest tennis player ranked in the top 700 of the WTA.

The MOC also approved fencer Bhavani Devi's proposal for a 150-day international training camp in Italy with coach Cristian Bauer, along with participation in five international events. Additionally, cyclist Harshita Jakhar received funding for the purchase of a specialized time trial bike costing Rs 14.40 lakh.