In a boost to India’s athletics preparations ahead of upcoming global competitions, including the Paris Olympics and future international events, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has added high jumper-turned-decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, sprinter Animesh Kujur, and the men’s 4x400m relay quartet to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group.
This move, ratified by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), reflects India’s long-term vision of nurturing athletic talent beyond just immediate Olympic medal prospects. The inclusion ensures dedicated financial and infrastructural support for these athletes as they progress toward international excellence.
Rising Talents in Focus
Tejaswin Shankar, who made history by becoming India’s first-ever decathlon medallist at the Asian Games (bronze in Hangzhou 2023), has been a standout performer with his consistency across multi-event disciplines. Known originally for his national record in high jump, Shankar’s transition to decathlon has been seamless, and he is now seen as a multi-talented athlete with podium potential in major championships.
Sprinter Animesh Kujur has been one of the most impressive young athletes this season. His breakout performance came at the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar, where he stunned the field with a 20.62s run in the 200m final—just short of the national record and currently the third-fastest Indian ever in the event. Kujur’s potential to become a sub-20.50 sprinter in the near future has excited both coaches and selectors.
The men’s 4x400m relay team, which has already qualified for the Paris Olympics, also earned a place in the TOPS development group. The quartet—comprising Mohammed Anas, Amoj Jacob, Rajesh Ramesh, and Muhammed Ajmal (rotated with T. S. Jinson and others)—has been consistently breaking national records and recently clocked one of their fastest times during the Olympic qualification period. Their performances have sparked hopes of a historic relay finish at the global level.
What the Inclusion Means
Athletes in the TOPS development group receive support for international training, foreign exposure trips, world-class coaching, sports science expertise, and monthly stipends. While the “Core Group” includes immediate Olympic medal hopefuls, the Development Group focuses on grooming emerging talent for future Olympic cycles and global meets.
This strategic selection shows that the MOC is looking beyond just Paris 2024 and investing in India’s athletics pipeline. With the inclusion of Tejaswin, Animesh, and the relay team, India’s athletics depth is not only increasing but also being structurally supported.
As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues and eyes shift to Los Angeles 2028 and beyond, such initiatives ensure that India’s track and field contingent is not just present—but competitive on the world stage.
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