Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme (RTOPs)

Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme (RTOPs) is a state government initiative launched by the Government of Rajasthan under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to identify and prepare 50 talented athletes from Rajasthan for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The scheme provides world-class coaching, scientific training, sports kits, nutritional support, and a monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance of Rs. 25,000 to all selected athletes through the Rajasthan Centre of Excellence in Jaipur.

Introduction of Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme: A Brief Insight

Rajasthan has produced some of India’s finest athletes across shooting, wrestling, athletics, and kabaddi. Yet for every Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore or Devendra Jhajharia who reached the Olympic podium, hundreds of equally talented athletes from the state never got the structured support, world-class coaching, or scientific preparation needed to make that leap. The gap was not talent. It was infrastructure, access, and a systematic pathway. Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme is the state government’s direct answer to this gap.

The Government of Rajasthan, under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, launched the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme (RTOPs) under its core vision “With Sports, Even After Sports” (Khelon ke Saath bhi, Khelon ke Baad bhi). The scheme is modelled on the Central Government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and operates under the Sports and Youth Affairs Department. The scheme targets one clear mission, to identify 50 of Rajasthan’s most talented athletes and prepare them to win medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

RTOPs specifically covers athletes who are talented enough to represent India but are not yet covered under the Central Government’s TOPS programme. This targeted focus ensures that promising athletes at the state level, those on the edge of breaking into the national elite, receive the same quality of support as athletes in the Central TOPS programme. The scheme selects athletes across four priority levels, starting from the Olympics and Commonwealth Games participants at Level I, down to open trial talents identified at the state level at Level IV.

Every selected athlete receives a comprehensive support package. The monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance is Rs. 25,000. Annual support ranges from Rs. 25 lakh for Level I athletes down to Rs. 10 lakh for Level IV athletes, with a total annual budget of Rs. 10 crore for all 50 athletes. The scheme provides world-class coaching from national and international coaches, modern sports kits, nutritional support, physiotherapy, sports medicine, psychological conditioning, and complete Rehab and Recovery support. A dedicated team of High Performance Coaches, Nutritionists, Sports Medicine Doctors, Psychologists, and Support Managers works alongside each selected athlete throughout their preparation cycle.

To anchor this ecosystem, the Government of Rajasthan establishes the Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE) in Jaipur with international-standard indoor and outdoor training facilities specifically designed for Olympic-level preparation. Selected athletes from Rajasthan also receive training support at high-level national and international training centres outside the state, wherever their sport demands it. A maximum of 20% of the 50 seats go to para-athletes, reflecting the scheme’s commitment to inclusive sporting excellence. If para-athlete seats remain unfilled, those seats go to general category athletes.

RTOPs works alongside other major Central Government sports initiatives that support Indian athletes at different stages of their careers. Young athletes from Rajasthan can access scholarships, training support, and talent identification programmes through the Khelo India Scheme. Level II of RTOPs directly builds on athletes already identified through Khelo India. Athletes who achieve recognition through RTOPs and other sports programmes and want to secure their long-term career can explore government employment opportunities through the sports quota under Rajasthan’s Out-of-Turn Employment policy for athletes.

Talented athletes, sports coaches, parents of young sportspersons, and anyone interested in Rajasthan’s sports development ecosystem can also explore more sports welfare schemes, financial assistance programmes, training support initiatives, and government sporting opportunities under our Rajasthan Government Welfare Schemes List section.

Benefits Provided to Selected Athletes

Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme provides a comprehensive package of training, financial, scientific, and welfare support to all 50 selected athletes under Mission Olympics 2028. The scheme covers every aspect of an athlete’s preparation journey from training to competition to recovery.

Financial Support

• Monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance of Rs. 25,000 per selected athlete to cover daily logistics and ancillary requirements
• Annual support per athlete based on selection level as per official RTOPs guidelines
• Level I athletes receive Rs. 25 lakh per year
• Level II athletes receive Rs. 20 lakh per year
• Level III athletes receive Rs. 15 lakh per year
• Level IV athletes receive Rs. 10 lakh per year
• Total annual expenditure for all 50 athletes under RTOPs: Rs. 10 crore per year

Training and Coaching Support

• World-class coaching from national and international coaches as per the individual athlete’s requirement
• Training at the Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE) in Jaipur with international-standard infrastructure
• Access to high-level national and international training centres outside Rajasthan, wherever required
• Scientific support throughout the training programme
• High Performance Coach, Chief Coach, and Assistant Coach support provided

Sports Equipment and Kit

• Modern and international standard sports equipment is provided to all selected athletes
• Global standard sports kits and advanced training gear as per sport-specific requirements

Competition Support

• Travel allowance, boarding, and lodging for participation in national and international competitions
• Manager support for performance monitoring during competitions
• Participation in national and international competitions is fully facilitated by the scheme

Scientific and Medical Support

• Dedicated Physiotherapy support for injury prevention and recovery
• Sports Nutrition guidance from a qualified Nutritionist
• Psychological support from a dedicated Psychologist for mental conditioning
• Sports Medicine Doctor for medical care and health monitoring
• Comprehensive Rehab and Recovery support after injuries
• Complete scientific performance support throughout the training cycle

Accommodation and Welfare

• High-quality accommodation and food are provided to selected athletes at the training centre
• Dedicated Support Staff and Support Manager to manage athlete welfare and daily needs
• Continuous performance monitoring and review by RMOC to ensure athlete progress

Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE) Under RTOPs

The Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE) is the core training infrastructure of the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme. The Government of Rajasthan establishes RCOE in Jaipur with a dedicated budget of Rs. 100 crore to provide selected athletes with an international-standard training ecosystem specifically designed for Olympic-level preparation under Mission Olympics 2028.

RCOE provides selected athletes with world-class indoor and outdoor training facilities, modern sports science laboratories, recovery and rehabilitation centres, and dedicated support staff, including High Performance Coaches, Chief Coaches, Nutritionists, Sports Medicine Doctors, and Psychologists. Athletes receive high-quality accommodation and food at RCOE so they can focus entirely on training and preparation without any logistical concerns.

For athletes whose sport demands specialised facilities not available at RCOE, the scheme also arranges training at high-level national and international training centres outside Rajasthan. RCOE serves as the permanent home base for all 50 selected RTOPs athletes and the central hub for Mission Olympics 2028 preparation across all disciplines.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The following eligibility conditions apply to athletes seeking selection under the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme as per the official RTOPs guidelines issued by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Rajasthan.

Basic Eligibility Conditions

• An athlete must be a permanent resident of Rajasthan with a valid domicile certificate
• Athletes must be at least 14 years of age at the time of application
• Athlete must NOT be currently receiving any support under the Central Government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) – RTOPs specifically targets talented Rajasthan athletes not yet covered under Central TOPS
• Sports achievements considered only from 2018-19 onwards — earlier achievements are not eligible for consideration
• Gold medal winners in any competition receive the highest priority in selection

Selection Priority Levels

The selection of 50 athletes under RTOPs follows a four-level priority system as per the official scheme guidelines.

• Level I: Participants of the Olympics, medalists and participants of the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Cup, and World Championships held within the last 4 years
• Level II: Athletes selected through the Khelo India Scheme
• Level III: National medalists, including Rajasthan athletes, admitted in other State Centres of Excellence
• Level IV: Talents identified through open trials, State Level Competitions, Khelo Rajasthan, and other events identified by State TIDC

Para-Athlete Eligibility

• A maximum of 20% of total seats (10 out of 50) are reserved for para-athletes under RTOPs
• Para-athletes must hold a valid disability certificate issued by a competent authority
• If reserved para-athlete seats remain unfilled, those seats are offered to general category athletes

Who Cannot Apply Under RTOPs

• Athletes currently receiving any financial or training support under the Central Government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) are not eligible
• Athletes whose sports achievements relate only to competitions held before 2018-19 are not eligible
• Athletes who are not permanent residents of Rajasthan are not eligible
• Athletes below 14 years of age are not eligible

Documents Required to be Attached

Athletes applying under the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme must keep the following documents ready before submitting their application to the State Talent Identification and Development Committee (STIDC) through the official channel.

• Aadhaar Card as proof of identity
• Rajasthan domicile certificate confirming permanent residence in Rajasthan
• Date of birth certificate confirming the minimum age of 14 years
• Sports achievement certificates for national and international competitions from 2018-19 onwards
• Certificate confirming non-receipt of support under the Central Government Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
• Khelo India selection certificate, wherever applicable, for Level II applicants
• National medal certificates for Level III applicants
• State association recommendation letter for the respective sport
• Passport-sized photographs
• Bank account details for Out-of-Pocket Allowance transfer
• Para-athlete disability certificate issued by the competent authority for para-athlete applicants
• Any other document prescribed by STIDC or RMOC at the time of selection

Important: All sports achievement certificates must relate to competitions held in 2018-19 or later. Earlier achievements are not considered for selection under RTOPs as per official scheme guidelines.

How Athletes Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme follows a structured selection process managed by two official committees — the State Talent Identification and Development Committee (STIDC) and the Rajasthan Mission Olympics Committee (RMOC). Athletes do not apply through a general open application portal. The selection process works through a systematic talent identification and recommendation mechanism.

Step 1: The State Talent Identification and Development Committee (STIDC) identifies eligible athletes from Rajasthan across all four priority levels based on their sports achievements in national and international competitions from 2018-19 onwards.

Step 2: STIDC prepares a list of eligible athletes based on Level I to Level IV priority criteria. Gold medal winners receive the highest priority in selection. For Level IV athletes, STIDC prepares transparent and logical guidelines approved by the Rajasthan Mission Olympics Committee (RMOC).

Step 3: STIDC presents the shortlisted athlete list to RMOC for final approval. RMOC reviews the list and approves selected athletes for inclusion under the RTOPs programme.

Step 4: RMOC approves the programmes and financial assistance required for each selected athlete based on their individual training needs and competition schedule.

Step 5: Selected athletes receive communication from the Sports and Youth Affairs Department confirming their selection under RTOPs and their assigned support level.

Step 6: Selected athletes begin training at the Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE) in Jaipur or at high-level national and international training centres outside Rajasthan, wherever required, based on their sport and training plan.

Step 7: STIDC issues annual guidelines typically in February for inclusion and removal of athletes from the programme. Athletes undergo regular performance review and monitoring by RMOC throughout the year.

Step 8: Athletes receiving support connect with their dedicated High Performance Coach, Chief Coach, Nutritionist, Sports Medicine Doctor, Psychologist, and Support Manager for their comprehensive preparation under Mission Olympics 2028.

Important: Athletes who believe they qualify under Level I, Level II, or Level III criteria and have not yet been identified can approach their respective State Sports Association with their achievement certificates. The State Association representative is a member of both STIDC and RMOC and can facilitate the identification process. Athletes must confirm they are not currently receiving any support under the Central Government TOPS scheme before approaching for RTOPs consideration.

Athlete Selection Levels Under Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme

RTOPs follows a four-level priority system for selecting 50 athletes from Rajasthan. Each level determines the athlete’s priority in selection and the annual financial support they receive under the scheme. The following table clearly explains each level, the eligible athlete category, and the corresponding annual support.

Gold medal winners in any competition receive the highest priority in selection regardless of level. STIDC identifies eligible athletes and presents the final list to RMOC for approval. For Level IV athletes, STIDC prepares transparent selection guidelines approved by RMOC. Annual review of athlete performance determines continuation or exit from the programme, with guidelines issued typically in February each year.

Important Links Available

• Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme Official Page, Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Rajasthan.
• Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Rajasthan.
• Rajasthan State Sports Council Official Portal.
• Rajasthan Olympic Official Portal.
• Government of Rajasthan Official Portal.
• Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme Official Guidelines.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Athletes and their families seeking information about the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme selection, eligibility, training, or scheme-related queries can contact the following official channels.

• Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Rajasthan
  Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Rajasthan State Sports Council
  Sawai Mansingh Stadium,
  Jaipur, Rajasthan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme?

Ans. Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme (RTOPs) is a state government initiative launched by the Government of Rajasthan under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to identify and prepare 50 talented athletes from Rajasthan for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The scheme provides world-class coaching, scientific training, sports kits, nutritional support, medical support, and a monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance of Rs. 25,000 to all selected athletes.

Q. What is the objective of RTOPs?

Ans. The scheme aims to identify talented young athletes from Rajasthan, develop their performance through world-class training and scientific support at the Rajasthan Centre of Excellence in Jaipur, and prepare them to win medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Q. How many athletes does RTOPs select?

Ans. RTOPs selects a maximum of 50 athletes across various sports disciplines for Mission Olympics 2028.

Q. Who selects athletes under RTOPs?

Ans. The State Talent Identification and Development Committee (STIDC) identifies eligible athletes and presents the list to the Rajasthan Mission Olympics Committee (RMOC) for final approval.

Q. What are the four selection levels under RTOPs?

Ans. RTOPs follows a four-level priority system for athlete selection. Level I covers Olympic participants and Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Cup, and World Championship medalists and participants from the last 4 years. Level II covers athletes selected through the Khelo India Scheme. Level III covers national medalists, including Rajasthan athletes at other State Centres of Excellence. Level IV covers talents identified through open trials, State Level Competitions, and Khelo Rajasthan events.

Q. What is the minimum age to apply under RTOPs?

Ans. Athletes must be at least 14 years of age to qualify for selection under the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme.

Q. Can athletes already receiving Central Government TOPS support apply under RTOPs?

Ans. No. RTOPs specifically targets talented Rajasthan athletes who are not currently receiving any support under the Central Government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme. Athletes already covered under Central TOPS are not eligible for RTOPs.

Q. What is the monthly allowance provided to selected athletes?

Ans. Each selected athlete receives a monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance of Rs. 25,000 to cover daily logistics and ancillary requirements during training and preparation.

Q. How much annual support do athletes receive under RTOPs?

Ans. Annual support varies by selection level. Level I athletes receive Rs. 25 lakh per year, Level II athletes receive Rs. 20 lakh per year, Level III athletes receive Rs. 15 lakh per year, and Level IV athletes receive Rs. 10 lakh per year. The total annual expenditure for all 50 athletes is Rs. 10 crore per year.

Q. What is the Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE)?

Ans. The Rajasthan Centre of Excellence (RCOE) is a state-of-the-art training facility being established in Jaipur under RTOPs. It provides selected athletes with international-standard indoor and outdoor training infrastructure, world-class coaching, and a complete Olympic preparation ecosystem under Mission Olympics 2028.

Q. Do para-athletes get any reservation under RTOPs?

Ans. Yes. A maximum of 20% of total seats, which is 10 out of 50 seats, are reserved for para-athletes under RTOPs. If reserved para-athlete seats remain unfilled, those seats are offered to general category athletes.

Q. What scientific and medical support does RTOPs provide?

Ans. RTOPs provides dedicated Physiotherapy, Sports Nutrition, sports medicine, rehab, Rehab and Recovery support to all selected athletes. A full support team, including a High Performance Coach, Chief Coach, Nutritionist, Sports Medicine Doctor, Psychologist, and Support Manager, works with each athlete throughout their preparation.

Q. Are achievements before 2018-19 considered for RTOPs selection?

Ans. No. Only sports achievements from 2018-19 onwards are considered for selection under RTOPs as per official scheme guidelines.

Q. Does RTOPs support training outside Rajasthan?

Ans. Yes. RTOPs provides training support at high-level national and international training centres outside Rajasthan, wherever required, based on the athlete’s sport and training plan.

Q. What is the vision of the Rajasthan Government behind RTOPs?

Ans. The Government of Rajasthan launched RTOPs under its core vision “With Sports, Even After Sports” (Khelon ke Saath bhi, Khelon ke Baad bhi) under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to transform Rajasthan into a major national sporting hub and ensure Rajasthan athletes win medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.