Setting up of Sports Science Departments and Sports Medicine Departments under the NCSSR scheme:

• Six Universities/Institutes and five Medical Colleges have been selected for setting up of Sports Science Departments and Sports Medicine Departments under the NCSSR scheme throughout the country.
• They are selected based on criteria like accreditation, permanent faculty, publications/patents, the requirement of funds, national/international cooperation as well as proposal and presentation made by them.
• Ministry has adopted research-based selection criteria for elite athletes under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) based on various research inputs like current performance, past performance, comparative data, global analysis, progression rate, etc.

National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR):

• The scheme aims to support high level research, education and innovation with respect to high performance of elite athletes.
• The scheme has two components:

• Setting up of NCSSR
• Creation of support to Sports Sciences Departments in Six Universities and Sports Medicine Departments in Six Medical Colleges/ Institutes/ Hospitals.

• The objectives of the scheme are implemented through the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the selected Universities/Institutes/Medical Colleges across the country
• Funds are not sanctioned/released state-wise.
• Review of the scheme takes place from time to time to achieve the desired objectives of the scheme.

Aims and objectives of NCSSR Scheme:

• Application of scientific principles to the promotion, maintenance and enhancement of sporting performance.
• Developing athletes to their maximum potential and to prolong their competitive sporting career.
• Dissemination of sports science information
• Testing and Certification of food supplements/Indigenous preparations.
• Application of Ayurvedic/Homeopathic Medicines in sporting performance.
• Management and rehabilitation of sports injuries

Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme:

• It was formulated in 2014 under overall ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the aim to identify, groom and prepare potential medal prospects for the Olympic and Paralympic Game.
• The Target Olympic Podium Scheme is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports .
• The scheme is an attempt to provide assistance to India’s top athletes.
• The Scheme looks to add a premium to the preparations of these athletes so that they can win Olympic medals.