TheMission Olympic Cell (MOC) of the Sports Ministry today approved a monthlyallowance of  50 thousand rupees for each of the 18 members of the men'shockey team under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Themonthly allowance under TOPS has been started by the ministry last year but thehockey team is getting the pocket allowance for the first time.The decision toinclude hockey was taken after India's performance improved under new coachHarendra Singh as they finished runners up in the Champions Trophy in theNetherlands.The women's team could be included in the TOPS after reviewing itsperformance in the upcoming World Cup and the following Asian Games.
Amongthe other notable decisions taken, double Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar hasbeen sanctioned  6.62 lakh rupees for hiring two sparring partners and aphysiotherapist during his ongoing training stint in Georgia.
Another 3.22 lakh rupees has been sanctioned for Bajrang Punia and Sumit for theirtraining and tournament participation in Turkey.
BoxerSarajubala Devi got an extension under TOPS scheme after qualifying for theAsian Games. 
Among other sports, MOC also sanctioned money for purchase of  equipment andtraining for gymnasts, Tennis player Ram Kumar Ramanathan, Archery and Judo.