TOPs bill due: Despite repeated reminders, quite a few athletes who are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPs) are yet to furnish their bills to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). After a recent Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) meeting, SAI have decided to set a deadline of January 31 for those errant athletes to submit bills and furnish Utilisation Certificates (UCs) or face expulsion from the TOP scheme. Follow Live updates on InsideSport.IN
According to reports, the number of athletes is close to 150 athletes, who received funds under TOP Scheme, but have not furnished their bills. Bills worth more than Rs 7 crore, given to athletes under TOPs since 2014, is still unaccounted for.
TOPs bill due: SAI sets Jan 31 deadline for athletes to furnish bills, or face expulsion from scheme
According to a SAI source, there are many prominent names among the athletes who are yet to furnish their bills.
“This step was necessary as many top athletes are yet to submit their bills. The money belongs to the tax payers and the athletes are bound to furnish details about how they have utilised it,” a SAI source told PTI.
“The MOC has asked all those athletes who have not submitted their bills and UCs to do the same before January 31. If they fail to do so future financial assistance from TOPS may be stopped.” “There are even some athletes who were part of Rio Olympics and have retired now. Despite repeated reminders through respective National Sports Federations (NSFs), they have not submitted their bills, which is unethical,” the source added.
TOPs bill due: SAI sets Jan 31 deadline for athletes to furnish bills, or face expulsion from scheme
The Sports Ministry started the TOPS program in 2014 and is aimed at providing financial assistance to India’s top athletes in their preparation for Olympics and Paralympics.
The scheme provides for requisite support to probable athletes, including foreign training, international competition, equipment and coaching camp besides monthly stipend of Rs 50,000. The scheme currently supports 104 TOPS Core Group athletes across 13 sports disciplines apart from hockey teams (both men and women) and 269 Development Group athletes across 12 sports disciplines.
TOPs bill due: SAI sets Jan 31 deadline for athletes to furnish bills, or face expulsion from scheme
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