By News18
In a landmark decision aimed at transforming India鈥檚 sports ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025.
The comprehensive policy is set to replace the outdated 2001 framework and pave the way for a new era of sporting excellence, inclusivity, and economic opportunity.
The NSP 2025 aims to establish India as a global sporting powerhouse, targeting significant international achievements, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
The creation of NSP 2025 involved extensive nationwide consultations with various ministries, state governments, NITI Aayog, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, domain experts, and public stakeholders.
The NSP 2025 is the outcome of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, domain experts, and public stakeholders.
What Are Five Key Pillars Of National Sports Policy?
Excellence on the Global Stage
Strengthen sports programs from the grassroots to elite levels, including mechanisms for early identification and nurturing of talent.
Promote the establishment of competitive leagues and competitions, and develop sports infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.
Build world-class systems for training, coaching, and holistic athlete support.
Enhance the capacity and governance of National Sports Federations.
Encourage the adoption of sports science, sports science, medicine, and technology to boost athletic performance.
Train and develop sports personnel, including coaches, technical officials, and support staff.
Sports for Economic Development
Promote sports tourism and attract major international events to India.
Strengthen the sports manufacturing ecosystem and promote startups and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Encourage private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs),
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and innovative funding initiatives.
Sports for Social Development
Promoting participation among women, economically weaker sections, tribal communities, and persons with disabilities through focused programs.
Revitalising and promoting indigenous and traditional games.
Positioning sports as a viable career option by integrating it into education, encouraging volunteering, and facilitating dual-career pathways.
Engaging the Indian diaspora through sports.
Sports as a People鈥檚 Movement
Drive mass participation and a culture of fitness through nationwide campaigns and community-based events.
Launch fitness indices for schools, colleges, and workplaces etc.
Enhance universal access to sports facilities.
Integration with Education (NEP 2020)
Integrate sports into school curricula.
Equip educators and physical education teachers with specialised training to promote sports education and awareness.
Strategic Framework
Governance: Establish a robust regulatory framework for sports governance, including legal framework.
Private Sector Funding & support: Develop innovative financing mechanisms and engage private sector participation through PPPs and CSR.
Technology & Innovation: Leverage emerging technologies, including AI and data analytics, for performance tracking, research, and program implementation.
National Monitoring Framework: Create a national framework with well-defined benchmarks, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and time-bound targets.
Model Policy for States: The NSP 2025 will serve as a model for States and Union Territories, encouraging them to revise or formulate their own policies in alignment with national objectives.
Whole-of-Government Approach: The policy calls for integration of sports promotion into the activities, schemes, and programs of all Ministries and Departments to achieve a holistic impact.
The National Sports Policy 2025 aims to 鈥渟et India on a transformative path toward becoming a leading sporting nation globally, while creating healthier, more engaged, and empowered citizens鈥.