The Sports Ministry's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has lowered the age of induction for table tennis players from 17 to 13 to build India's bench strength for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics.
Two 13-year-olds, Rishaan Chattopadhayay and Tanishka Kalbhairav, have already been included in the TOPS Developmental Group, following the policy change.
The eligibility criteria for athletes' induction includes ITTF Youth Rankings, with the top 32 in U-15 and U-17 singles, and the top 16 in U-15 and U-17 doubles events eligible for inclusion going forward.
The objective is to create a continuous pathway from junior development to Olympic preparation, said a Sports Authority of India official.
Athletes in TOPS developmental group are entitled to a monthly allowance, international training, and nutrition support among other benefits.
SAI's research team drew inspiration from countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, where pre-teens regularly make waves in the sport.
Among the case studies highlighted was Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto, who became the youngest ever player to win the ITTF World Tour Under-21 men's singles in 2016 by snaring the top honours at just 12 years of age.
India's greatest table tennis players of all time, A Sharath Kamal, said the policy change has the potential to make a lasting impact and will help India have a smooth transition to the next level internationally.
