NEW DELHI: National Sports Federations (NSFs) will have to publish athlete and coach selection policies well in advance of major international competitions, while those seeking to host international events in India will be eligible for financial assistance under revised Sports Ministry’s guidelines aimed at strengthening the country’s sporting ecosystem. The assistance scheme stands for the period of 2026-27 to 2030-31 (16th Finance Commission Cycle) at a total outlay of Rs 7,386.74 crore.Under the revised Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), selection policies must be announced at least one year before continental or world championships and at least two years before multi-sport events involving quota or qualifying systems.The guidelines also provide for financial assistance to federations hosting international tournaments in India, with the amount determined by the scale and importance of the event, India’s performance in the sport and the level of international participation.India are scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and have also expressed interest in staging the 2036 Summer Olympics. Additionally, India has also submitted a formal Expression of Interest (EoI) to the Olympic Council of Asia to host the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.The changes form part of a broader framework covering athlete preparation, grassroots development, coaching, sports science and the administration of national federations.
Selection policies and international event hosting
The requirement to publish selection policies in advance is intended to establish a clear and transparent framework for choosing athletes and coaches for international competitions. It comes on the heels of controversies surrounding squads for the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games.The guidelines call on federations to ensure that their selection procedures are fair and publicly communicated within the stipulated timelines.The provision assumes particular significance for multi-sport events where athletes must navigate qualification systems and quota allocations.For international event hosting, the guidelines allow assistance for eligible tournaments conducted in India. The prescribed ceilings vary according to the category and scale of the competition, with certain world championships in Olympic sports eligible for assistance of up to Rs 50 crore.Proposals will be assessed by a designated committee, which will recommend assistance based on the event’s requirements and the applicable conditions.The framework is intended to strengthen India’s capacity to host prestigious international competitions and provide domestic athletes with greater opportunities to compete at home.
Greater emphasis on grassroots development
The guidelines require national sports federations to earmark at least 20% of their annual budget under the scheme for grassroots development through affiliated units. They also call for structured junior development programmes and measures to prevent early specialisation, age fraud and overtraining.Federations are expected to identify promising senior and junior athletes and strengthen their development pathways through coaching, specialised equipment and sports science support.
Olympic Training Centres and coaching support
The Ministry has also outlined plans for sport-specific Olympic Training Centres equipped with modern facilities, specialised equipment and sports science services. The centres are intended to reduce Indian athletes’ reliance on overseas training facilities.Federations can engage foreign coaches and high-performance specialists within the prescribed funding framework. At least five Indian coaches are expected to remain with a foreign coach during the coaching assignment, with the objective of developing domestic expertise and reducing long-term dependence on overseas coaches.Performance-linked bonuses for foreign coaches may be capped at 20% of their annual salary.
Medical support and financial oversight
The guidelines require federations to establish sport-specific protocols for injury management and return to training. Proposals from federations that have not defined these protocols will not be considered for funding. Athletes are also required to undergo quarterly assessments covering medical condition, fitness, biomechanics and other relevant parameters.On expenditure, the scheme permits up to 10% of the funding provided to be allocated to administrative manpower and support. A separate provision allows expenditure of up to 2.5% of the annual scheme budget on specified administrative and legal expenses, including governance-related activities and the engagement of specialised professionals or interns.The guidelines also require federations to follow prescribed financial procedures for equipment procurement and submit utilisation certificates certified by a chartered accountant empanelled with the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Support for indigenous sports and international cooperation
The revised framework provides for assistance to promote indigenous and traditional sports internationally, including through competitions, international recognition and the establishment of federations in other countries.It also envisages cooperation with countries in the Global South by facilitating training opportunities for athletes and coaches at Indian high-performance centres.The measures collectively seek to strengthen the administration of national federations, improve athlete preparation and expand India’s presence in international sport. Their impact will depend on implementation, including compliance with selection-policy deadlines, the delivery of planned training infrastructure and the effective use of public funding.
