Cabinet Approves National Sports Policy 2025 to Transform India into Global Sporting Power

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, a comprehensive and forward-looking framework aimed at transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse and promoting inclusive participation across all sections of society.

The new policy replaces the National Sports Policy of 2001 and lays out a strategic roadmap to position India as a serious contender at international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games. The policy has been formulated after wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders, including Central ministries, State governments, NITI Aayog, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, experts, and the general public.

Five Key Pillars of NSP 2025

The policy is structured around five core pillars designed to strengthen all aspects of the sports ecosystem—from grassroots participation to elite-level performance.

1. Excellence on the Global Stage

This pillar focuses on strengthening India’s sporting pipeline by identifying and nurturing talent from the grassroots level and developing elite training infrastructure. The policy aims to enhance coaching standards, modernize sports governance, and integrate sports science and technology into athlete development. Efforts will also be made to expand competitive leagues and improve the functioning of NSFs.

2. Sports for Economic Development

NSP 2025 recognizes the potential of sports as an economic driver. It proposes measures to boost sports tourism, attract international events to India, promote the manufacturing of sports goods, and encourage private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, and startup innovation in the sports sector.

3. Sports for Social Development

The policy aims to promote inclusivity by encouraging participation among women, tribal communities, persons with disabilities, and those from economically weaker sections. It also emphasizes the revival of traditional and indigenous games, and supports dual-career pathways for athletes, including through sports-integrated education and volunteering programs. Special efforts will be made to engage the Indian diaspora in global sporting activities.

4. Sports as a People’s Movement

To create a nationwide culture of fitness and sports, the policy envisions mass participation initiatives, community-based sporting events, and awareness campaigns. A fitness index for schools, colleges, and workplaces will be introduced, and universal access to sports infrastructure will be promoted.

5. Integration with Education (NEP 2020)

In line with the National Education Policy, sports will be integrated into school curricula. Educators and physical education teachers will be equipped with specialized training to promote sports as a core component of holistic development.

Implementation and Strategic Framework

To ensure effective execution, the NSP 2025 outlines a detailed strategic framework:

• Governance: A robust regulatory and legal framework to strengthen transparency and accountability in sports administration.

• Technology and Innovation: Use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, for performance monitoring and decision-making.

• Financing: Development of innovative funding mechanisms and increased private sector participation.

• National Monitoring: A performance tracking system with clear benchmarks and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• State Participation: The policy will serve as a model for States and Union Territories to frame or revise their own sports policies.

• Whole-of-Government Approach: Integration of sports promotion into the schemes and activities of all relevant ministries and departments.

A Vision for the Future

The government said that with its structured approach and inclusive vision, the National Sports Policy 2025 marks a major shift in India’s approach to sports—from isolated efforts to a unified national movement. It aims not only to achieve international sporting success but also to create healthier, more active, and socially empowered citizens.

The NSP 2025 is expected to play a crucial role in India’s journey towards becoming a leading sporting nation in the coming decade.

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