The government of India on Tuesday, July 1 approved the Khelo Bharat Niti or the National Sports Policy 2025. This policy “guiding document” to formulate plans and schemes for betterment of the country’s sporting ecosystem.
The policy aims at making India one of the top-five countries in world sports.The 20-page document will also serve a a guidebook to create “world-class systems” of coaching and athlete support along with a robust administrative set-up as India gears up to win the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics.
“We have used the experience of the last 10 years and the new policy will work towards improvement of sports. Major objective is to make India a top-five sporting nation by 2047. That’s the overall objective,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told media as he officially released the policy document in Delhi.
The policy has ushered a wave on optimism among the stakeholders of Indian sports.
“The National Sports Policy 2025 marks a promising shift in the way we view sport — not merely as a medal chase, but as a powerful tool for health, inclusivity, and nation-building.” says Pragati Banka, a sports lawyer.
“It’s encouraging to see a holistic approach that aims to integrate sport into everyday life and make physical activity a cultural norm, not just a recreational hobby. True change will come when every Indian, regardless of background, embraces movement as a daily lifestyle choice. The vision is strong — I sincerely hope the implementation matches the ambition.” add Pragati, who is currently India’s first and only female FIFA Licensed Agent.
Nasir Ali, the founder and CEO of Gallant Sports has also welcomed the new policy.
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“The approval of the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025 marks a monumental day for Indian sports and, by extension, the sports infrastructure sector. As a leading manufacturer in this space, we are incredibly enthusiastic about the policy’s comprehensive vision—particularly its focus on strengthening sports programs from grassroots to elite levels, its commitment to developing infrastructure in both rural and urban areas, and its emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for economic development.” Nasir says.
Gallant Sports in an India-based South Asia’s leading Sports Infrastructure solution-provider.
Equitable access to sports facilities, with a focus on state levels irrespective of economic, social and geographic disparities is one of its salient feature.
“The government’s landmark decision to include sports infrastructure under the Harmonised Master List of Infrastructure Sub-sectors is a huge step forward, opening up institutional credit, attracting greater investment, and empowering companies like Gallant Sports to fast-track the creation of world-class facilities nationwide.” Nasir adds.
Dr. Khyati Vakharia, a sports doctor, has also welcomed the new features of the policy.
“The new National Sports Policy brings immense optimism from the sports medicine and sports science perspective. India is a gold mine of talent, offering a rich diversity of body types and physical profiles across regions. However, this potential needs to be nurtured through the right systems.” Dr. Khyati says.
Sports science, sports psychology, sports medicine and technology will be actively promoted as integral components of India’s sports development strategy, the policy states.
“he integration of scientific principles into coaching, along with a significant push for sports science and medicine research that is relevant to our population, is essential if India is to emerge as the next sporting superpower. It is particularly encouraging to see physical literacy being given the attention it deserves in the policy.” Dr. Khyati adds. She is the team doctor of the Indian Athletics Team and has been a seven-time Indian National Pole Vault champion.
The policy has also got approval from Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi.
“The National Sports Policy 2025 reflects India’s growing ambition to be recognised as a global sporting powerhouse. What’s exciting is that this policy doesn’t just focus on established sports but also creates space for emerging ones like padel. The emphasis on building competitive leagues, developing infrastructure across rural and urban areas, and driving private sector collaboration is exactly what newer sports like padel need to flourish.” Bhupathi says. The 51-year-old is the co-founder of the World Padel League.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
