NEW DELHI: In order to increase India's medal count at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, the government has decided on scientific testing of 244 athletes in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme's (TOPS) development group at the time of their induction, and twice each year. This will be the first-of-its-kind exercise by the authorities administering sports in the country since the inception of TOPS in September 2014.
At the time of induction, athletes will first file a declaration of their medical, family and treatment history before undergoing a general examination, musculoskeletal examination, functional movement as well as relative energy deficiency and some other tests, according to sources in know of the development. Twice during the year, the athletes will be put through physiological, biochemical, anthropometric, psychological, nutritional and biomechanical tests. These tests will be different for each sport.
The tests will enable the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and national sports federations (NSFs) to make appropriate scientific intervention, when needed, in rehabilitation of injury or boosting the physiological parameters of athletes. The decision was taken during a recent meeting of the sports ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).
At present, there are 107 Core Group athletes across 13 sports disciplines apart from hockey team s (both men and women) and 294 Development Group athletes across 12 sports disciplines who are receiving support under the TOPS.
The physiological, anthropometric, nutritional and psychological tests will be conducted at SAI centres across the country. The other tests will be conducted in other laboratories (at CGHS rates). This data will be tied in with the Central Athlete Injury Management System (CAIMS) so that the best interventions can be made. A number of athletes have benefited from CAIMS so far since its inception last year. The whole exercise will cost SAI around Rs 86. 50 lakh.
