Hockey players finally get an out-of-pocket allowance after years of waiting

Indian Hockey Players Finally Receive Out-of-Pocket Allowance

New Delhi: In a significant development, Indian national hockey players, both men and women, will now be entitled to an out-of-pocket allowance (OPA) from the government under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Indian Hockey team

This decision rectifies a long-standing anomaly, as hockey players were previously excluded from this benefit, unlike athletes from other disciplines who have been receiving monthly stipends since the inception of TOPS in September 2014.

The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) approved the OPA of Rs 25,000 per month for the national campers of both the men’s and women’s hockey teams. The decision came after considering a request from Hockey India (HI), the sport’s national federation, during the 156th governing council meeting of the MOC.

A total of 80 players, comprising 40 men and 40 women, will benefit from this allowance, which is typically granted to athletes in the developmental group of TOPS. Athletes in the core group of TOPS receive a monthly stipend of Rs 50,000. The allowance for the hockey players will cost the government Rs 20 lakh per month, according to a ministry official.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the decision, stating, "The allowance was requested by Hockey India for some time and we have decided to accept the demand. The players have performed reasonably well and it (this allowance) is being given on merit. The federation will have to submit a list of players to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) every month for disbursement of the funds."

The men’s team's consistent performance, including back-to-back bronze medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the subsequent Paris Games, along with a gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, played a crucial role in the decision to grant the OPA. The women’s team also contributed to this decision, having finished a commendable fourth in Tokyo. Both teams are currently participating in the FIH Pro League’s European leg.

The MOC also approved proposals worth Rs 4.28 crore from athletes, which included Rs 1.38 crore in financial assistance to tennis players Saketh Myneni and Jeevan Nedu.