Divyansh Panwar included in TOPS core group

According to SAI, the decision to include 10m air rifle shooter was taken based on his recent performances.

Divyansh Panwar won a silver medal at the ISSF World Cup in Beijing to earn India the Olympic quota.

Rifle shooter Divyansh Singh Panwar was on Wednesday elevated to the core group of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Panwar, who specialises in the 10m air rifle, had been a part of the developmental group of TOPS.

The decision to include Panwar was taken based on his recent performances, including a silver-medal winning effort at the ISSF World Cup in Beijing that earned India an Olympic quota, according to a statement from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

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In the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) meeting chaired by SAI director general Neelam Kapur, proposals for funds from seven athletes to the tune of ₹85 lakh were also cleared. The athletes include weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, shooter Saurabh Chaudhary, shuttler K. Srikanth, middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson, and para-athlete Sharad Kumar.

Long-term plan

The MOC also discussed ways to develop a long-term development plan for the Olympics in 2024 and 2028.

“It was agreed that the athletes need to be supported on a long-term basis by dovetailing with the Khelo India Talent Identification Scheme. In particular, emphasis must be given to coaching, sport science support and foreign exposure. Inputs will be sought from all national sporting federations and incorporated in the draft policy,” the statement said.