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Pullela Gopichand-Led Task Force Recommends NCAB, TOPS For Olympic Success

Pullela Gopichand-Led Task Force Recommends NCAB, TOPS For Olympic Success
A Sports Ministry-appointed Task Force, led by national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, has recommended implementing a Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for coaches and establishing a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) as the central body for their education, accreditation, and governance.
The 43-page report has been submitted to the Sports Ministry, which plans to adopt all its recommendations.
The report calls for a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) to ensure coach development in India is systematic, credible, and aligned with global standards. This Board will set standards, approve pathways, accredit institutions, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The NCAB should include the Indian Olympic Association President, the Sports Secretary, a person of national eminence with cross-ministerial influence, and an eminent academician with expertise in pedagogy and educational systems.
The Board will unify government, federations, educational institutions, and the Olympic movement by setting standards and ensuring accountability.
Currently, Olympic sports coaching training is primarily provided through diploma courses at the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports in Patiala.
The Committee proposes a Tiered National Coaching Pathway with Grassroots, Intermediate, Elite, and National Team Coach levels, and Level 0 as the universal entry stage. This pathway will offer multiple entry routes for former athletes, physical education teachers, and sports science graduates, ensuring merit-based progression linked to measurable outcomes and continuous professional development.
The Task Force recommends that of the total 1,800 hours of coach education, nearly 78 per cent should focus on hands-on field experience, mentored internships, and supervised coaching practice, with the remaining component covering sports science, psychology, ethics, safety, and performance analytics.
Inspired by the successful Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for athletes, the Task Force has recommended a dedicated “TOPS for Coaches" model to support elite-level coaches.
Each National Sports Federation (NSF), in conjunction with SAI and NCAB, will periodically identify high-potential coaches who prepare athletes for major competitions or drive grassroots expansion in medal-potential sports.
Selected coaches can submit proposals for advanced training equipment or technology, such as video analysis tools, biomechanical feedback systems, or specialised training like an international certification course or internship with a renowned foreign coach/team.
Once approved, each coach's plan will be funded through a dedicated “Coach TOPS" fund, empowering coaches to enhance the performance of athletes under their guidance. Funds are released with milestones and oversight similar to athlete TOPS funding.
The framework also proposes launching a 24/7 National Sports Science Helpline staffed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts, offering real-time advisory support on injury prevention, nutrition, training load management, rehabilitation, and performance analytics, accessible via a toll-free number, mobile app, and online portal.
(With agency inputs)
Source: News18
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