NEW DELHI: With an aim to establish India as a global sporting powerhouse capable of hosting major international events, including the 2036 Olympics, and resolving the governance issues plaguing the country’s national federations, the govt on Tuesday approved the ‘National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025’ which will “drive excellence, economic growth and social progress” while promoting well-being of citizens.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new comprehensive policy was passed with a twin objective of “broad basing of sports and achieving excellence in sports at national and international level to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots to the Olympic podium”.
Announcing the cabinet’s decision, Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed, “The new policy replaces the two decade-old national sports policy of 2001 and outlines a vision to make India a strong contender on the global sports stage, including at the 2036 Olympic Games. The policy is aligned with the new education policy and makes a pitch for using the economic potential of sports.”
Vaishnaw added: “Fitness will be promoted as a lifestyle through ranking systems for schools and workplaces, while community fitness programmes like family sports weekends and yoga challenges will be launched to drive wider public participation.”
The NSP takes into account the country’s recent performances in major international events including the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian and Commonwealth Games and recognises the need to build on these achievements and create a sustainable system for long-term success in sports, a govt statement said.
Titled ‘Khelo Bharat Niti’ 2025, the policy “promotes the establishment of competitive leagues and competitions, and develops sports infrastructure in both rural and urban areas; builds world-class systems for training, coaching and holistic athlete support; enhances the capacity and governance of national sports federations; encourages the adoption of sports science, medicine and technology to boost athletic performance and trains and develops sports personnel, including coaches, technical officials and support staff.”
To address the long-standing issues of factionalism, infighting and governance mismanagement in NSFs, the policy has aimed to establish a ‘Sports Regulatory Board’ with powers to grant, renew and suspend the affiliation of NSFs, among others.
To realise its objectives, the policy lays down a comprehensive implementation strategy encompassing “private sector funding & support; technology and innovation; national monitoring framework; model policy for states and whole-of-govt approach”.
FIVE KEY PILLARS OF NSP 2025 - It focuses on achieving the nation’s excellence on the global stage by enhancing infrastructure, talent identification and international competitiveness.
- Sports for economic development emphasises leveraging sports to boost industries such as tourism, manufacturing and sports technology.
- Sports for social development promotes inclusivity, health and education through sports, fostering societal cohesion.
- Sports as a people’s movement seeks to engage communities in physical activities, making sports a cultural cornerstone.
- It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, integrating sports with education to nurture holistic development and life skills in students, youths, promoting academic, athletic excellence.
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