TOPS core group updated with new additions and removals

The list of athletes supported by the Sports Ministry's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has been updated.

Wrestler Reetika Hooda, who failed a dope test, was removed from the core group.

Several compound archers, like Parneet Kaur and Abhishek Verma, were added to the core group because their sport will be in the next Olympics.

New athletes in track and field, like Sachin Yadav and Sarvesh Kushare, were also added.

Some athletes, like Animesh Kujur and Tejaswin Shanker, were placed in the developmental group.

The list is updated every year based on how well the athletes perform.

Athletes in the core and developmental groups get money to help with their training and competitions.

There's also a separate list for athletes going to the Asian Games this year, including golfers, tennis players, and equestrians.

Additionally, Neeraj Chopra and Sachin Yadav are the only Indian athletes included in the AIU’s Registered Testing Pool for the first quarter of 2024, which means they will undergo no-advance notice testing for anti-doping purposes.