The Sports Authority of India’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) recently included the men’s hockey team in the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme, which entitles the players to an out-of-pocket allowance of ₹50,000 a month, leading up to the Asian Games.
The women, however, will only be considered for inclusion based on their World Cup and Asian Games performances.
Sjoerd Marijne, chief coach of the women’s team, has expressed his disappointment with the decision, believing that recent results entitled them to more. “We are feeling let down, yes,” he said.
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“The women won the Asia Cup (Nov. 2017), were runners-up at the Asian Champions Trophy (May 2018) and finished the way they were ranked at the CWG (fourth), playing really well. I don’t understand this but then I’m a foreigner.”
It was not about the money, Marijne insisted. “That’s not why they play. It’s about creating a legacy. Money only lasts for a few years but your legacy lasts all your life.”