Jaipur, May 19 -- The Rajasthan government has announced the establishment of a Rajasthan Centre of Excellence in Jaipur to develop the state into a major sports hub and prepare athletes for the 2028 Olympics. Under the newly launched Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), 50 talented athletes will be selected for world-class training, coaching and financial support, including a monthly allowance of Rs.25,000, states an official release. The state government also said 20% seats under the scheme would be reserved for para-athletes, while medal-winning players would continue to receive out-of-turn government appointments and insurance benefits. The government said it is working with the motto "Khelon ke Saath Bhi, Khelon ke Baad Bhi" (supporting athletes during and after sports careers) and is focusing on both sporting excellence and long-term economic and social security for players. To identify and nurture Olympic talent, the state has launched the "Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme" on the lines of the Centre's TOPS programme. Under the scheme, 50 talented young athletes will be selected and trained for the 2028 Olympic Games. "The upcoming Rajasthan Centre of Excellence in Jaipur will serve as the main high-performance training hub for these athletes. The facility is expected to provide international-standard infrastructure and advanced training support. The scheme is specifically designed for athletes who are not currently covered under the Centre's Target Olympic Podium Scheme," the release said. To ensure transparency and continuous performance monitoring, the government has also constituted the "Rajasthan Mission Olympic Committee" and the "State Talent Search and Development Committee". The state government has simultaneously strengthened its out-of-turn appointment policy for medal-winning athletes. So far, 186 medal-winning sportspersons have been given government jobs based on their sporting achievements. Prominent athletes appointed under the sports quota include cricketer Ravi Bishnoi, shooter Manini Kaushik, equestrian player Divyakriti Singh and kabaddi player Sachin, who were appointed as deputy superintendents of police in the Rajasthan Police Service. Para-shooter Mona Agarwal was appointed as Lecturer in Physical Education. The government further stated that financial assistance worth over v40.12 crore has been sanctioned for 1,786 talented athletes representing Rajasthan at national and international levels. Officials said the grant would help players continue training and prepare for major competitions without financial constraints. To provide security to athletes and their families, the state has also implemented the Sports Life Insurance Scheme. Under the scheme, international medal winners will receive accident and life insurance coverage of up to Rs.25 lakh. In addition, financial assistance is also being provided for purchase of modern sports equipment....