New Delhi: Rising star Tulika Maan has earned a spot in the women’s over 78kg class at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, becoming the ninth woman judoka from India to compete in the Olympic Games.
Tulika’s journey to the Olympics has been supported significantly by the Government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). She expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided by TOPS, highlighting the importance of financial support in maintaining athlete rankings. “When the expenses are taken care of, we can compete without tension and give our best,” Tulika remarked.
Tulika first gained prominence after winning a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Her recent victory over Canada’s Portuondo Isasi in the round of 32 at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi last month was a pivotal moment, significantly boosting her position in the Olympic rankings and helping her secure a spot in the Paris Olympics.
Her performances at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year and the Asian Championships in Hong Kong this April were also crucial in accumulating the necessary points for qualification. “I won three bouts each in the Asian Games and the Asian Championship. Hong Kong is when I first thought maybe I could do it,” she said. “The win in the World Championship helped me,” she added.
TOPS, a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to support India’s top athletes by providing assistance for foreign training, international competition, equipment, coaching camps, and a monthly stipend. The scheme has been instrumental in helping athletes like Tulika compete at the highest levels throughout the year.
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