Union Minister Raksha Khadse Urged To Include Table Tennis Star Swastika Ghosh In TOPS Scheme

The Union Minister of state for Sports, Raksha Khadse, was formally requested to consider the inclusion of Swastika Ghosh, an international-level table tennis player, in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)—a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at supporting elite athletes.

The request was put forth by former Corporator Netra Kiran Patil during the Minister’s courtesy visit to her residence. Swastika Ghosh, a recipient of the Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award, has consistently represented India on international platforms and resides in Corporator Patil’s ward in Kharghar. A formal representation was submitted on behalf of Swastika by her father, Sandeep Ghosh.

Corporator Patil emphasized Swastika’s achievements and potential, urging the Union Minister to facilitate her inclusion in the TOPS scheme so she can receive the necessary support and resources for future international competitions, including the Olympics.

Kiran Patil, President of Kharghar Sports Academy, also briefed the Minister on the academy’s ongoing efforts to train and promote sports talent from the region. "athletes like Swastika, who have risen from grassroots programs, deserve every opportunity to excel at the global level," said Patil. 

The meeting highlighted the community’s active involvement in supporting talented athletes and seeking institutional support to elevate them to greater heights.