In a bold move that could reshape the trajectory of Indian sport, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced a sweeping overhaul of its funding and governance model for National Sports Federations (NSFs).
At the heart of the announcement lies a 75% increase in funding for high-priority sports — a substantial boost, but one that comes with significant strings attached.
If implemented with intent and accountability, this policy could mark a generational shift in how sport is administered in the country. But as with most systemic changes in India, the devil will lie in the details — and in the execution.
Massive Funding — With Purpose
The headline number is striking: ₹90 lakh for each national championship in high-priority sports, up from the previous ₹51 lakh. Other federations too will benefit, with ₹75 lakh now set aside for their events. For hosting international tournaments, NSFs can receive support up to ₹2 crore — a significant incentive to bring global sport to Indian soil.
This is a long overdue correction. For years, many NSFs operated under tight budgets, often forced to cut corners when it came to junior programs, scouting, or even basic logistics. The financial shot in the arm is welcome, but it’s not unconditional.
The Ministry has made it clear: professionalize or perish.
A Governance Overhaul: Finally, Sport as a Serious Business
Perhaps the most important part of this policy is the push to transform NSFs from fiefdoms of inefficiency into professionally managed institutions. Under the new rules:
- Federations with a budget over ₹10 crore must appoint High Performance Directors.
- All NSFs must have full-time CEOs and trained administrative staff.
- Annual financial audits, public selection criteria, and quarterly athlete performance reviews are now mandatory.
This reflects a growing maturity in how the state sees sport: not as a ceremonial pursuit, but as a performance industry where returns on investment matter — in medals, development, and governance. For years, opaque selections and unaccountable leadership have plagued Indian sport. This policy strikes directly at that culture.
A Big Win for Grassroots Development
One of the most progressive features is the 20% minimum budget earmarked for grassroots programs. This includes junior/youth competitions, talent hubs, and most critically, measures to combat age fraud — a scourge that has plagued school and age-group competitions across sports for decades.
This is an acknowledgement that India’s real Olympic potential lies not in current stars, but in the 13-year-olds training in district academies today. With real money now tied to youth development, federations will be forced to look beyond immediate results and build sustainable pipelines.
Athlete-Centric Reforms — Long Overdue
In a welcome move, the Ministry has also upped support for athletes:
- ₹1,000 per day diet allowance for seniors
- ₹10,000 monthly allowance during non-camp periods
- Economy class flights for travel beyond 500 km
These aren’t luxuries; they’re essentials for any athlete chasing international standards. Over the years, too many Indian athletes have had to rely on personal sponsors or crowdfunding just to maintain a basic training regime. This policy signals an intent to institutionalize that support.
Coaching and Science: Finally Catching Up with the World
India has long been criticised for not leveraging sports science, data, or structured coaching pathways. That could change now, as:
- Salaries of foreign coaches are capped at 30% of the total NSF budget
- Every foreign coach must train five Indian coaches
- Federations must adopt sports science-based monitoring systems
This is not just about building athlete performance; it’s about building coaching depth and technical capacity domestically. By investing in Indian coaches, India ensures that gains are not lost when contracts end or foreign staff leave.
The Politics of Exclusion: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
The policy categorizes sports into High Priority and Priority groups. Athletics, boxing, wrestling, badminton, hockey, shooting, table tennis, weightlifting, and tennis form the “high-priority” list. Archery, swimming, judo, golf, cycling, volleyball, and rowing are in the “priority” bracket.
Conspicuously missing: football.
The exclusion has raised eyebrows and frustration. It reflects the Ministry’s focus on Olympic and medal-driven disciplines, but risks ignoring sports with mass participation and cultural relevance. Still, this is a broader debate about India’s sporting identity — one that will continue to evolve.
Three-Month Clock Ticking: Will NSFs Adapt or Resist?
All NSFs must comply with these reforms within three months, with performance evaluations starting in six. Non-compliance or underperformance could mean funding cuts.
This is a critical litmus test. For decades, Indian sport has suffered from “policy without teeth.” This time, there’s both carrot and stick. Whether it leads to real transformation will depend on the ministry’s willingness to enforce, and the federations’ willingness to adapt.
The Bottom Line: A Chance to Get it Right
This new policy is not just about money or medals. It’s about treating sport in India with the seriousness and dignity it deserves. It’s about moving from personality-driven federations to process-driven systems. It’s about ensuring that no athlete’s dream is held back by red tape, poor management, or lack of basic support.
If done right, this could be one of the most significant reforms in the history of Indian sport.
But if federations resist, or if enforcement falters, it risks becoming yet another well-intentioned idea lost in execution.
The spotlight is on — and for Indian sport, the stakes have never been higher.
