Indian Union Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025

The national sports policy aims to strengthen India’s sporting foundation through grassroots development, athlete welfare, and global competitiveness.

The National Sports Policy 2025 has been formally approved by the Union Cabinet, marking a significant step in reshaping India’s sporting future. With an emphasis on organized talent development, improved infrastructure, and increased inclusivity, the policy aims to completely transform the nation’s sports ecosystem from the lowest levels to the highest levels.

The policy comes at a critical time, as India hopes to place in the top 10 at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and establish itself as a reliable global competitor in a number of sports.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports claims that the new framework will improve athlete support by integrating sports science, improving coaching, and providing access to global exposure. There will be an expansion and strengthening of government programs such as TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and Khelo India.

The policy’s emphasis on identifying talent at the grassroots level, with scouting starting at the school and university levels, is one of its most notable aspects. To maintain development continuity, a centralized athlete tracking system is also being developed.

Special attention has been paid to inclusivity, with extra assistance provided for female athletes, para-athletes, and athletes from tribal and rural areas. Additionally, the government intends to use the “One State One Sport” model to provide incentives for state-specific sports promotion.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya called the policy “a bold and forward-looking step” and added, “We want to create an environment where every child has the opportunity to dream big in sports and turn that dream into reality.”

The policy presents plans for a National Register of Sports Infrastructure and describes public-private partnerships to update stadiums and training facilities. The document also places a strong emphasis on long-term athlete welfare, including dual career pathways, post-retirement assistance, and pensions.

The sports community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Football legend Sunil Chhetri referred to the policy as “the start of something big for Indian sports,” while Olympians Neeraj Chopra and P.V. Sindhu commended its long-term outlook.

If implemented properly, the National Sports Policy 2025 has the potential to be a game-changer for developing a true sporting culture throughout the nation as well as for training athletes who will win medals.

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