“The National Sports Policy 2025 marks a paradigm shift in India’s approach to sports, linking it with national development goals.” Discuss the key features of the policy in addressing the challenges of India’s sports ecosystem. (15M)

The National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, also known as Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, replaces the 2001 policy and introduces a transformative vision: “Sports for Nation Building”, aiming to integrate sports with social inclusion, economic development, and international competitiveness.

Key Features of the policy:

1. Excellence on the Global Stage:
   1. Targets India’s preparation for the 2036 Olympics by creating a talent pipeline from grassroots to elite level.
   1. Emphasizes sports science, athlete-centric support, and high-performance centers like expansion of Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for elite athletes.
2. Sports for Economic Development:
   1. Encourages sports tourism, manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and sports startups.
   1. Initiatives like “Adopt an Athlete” and “One Corporate-One Sport“ aim to mobilize CSR and private investments.
   1. For Example, hosting international events like the Hockey World Cup (Odisha) has boosted local economies.
3. Sports for Social Development:
   1. Focuses on inclusivity for women, tribal groups, and para-athletes.
   1. Revives indigenous sports like Mallakhamb and Kalaripayattu.
   1. Dual-career pathways and community engagement enhance long-term participation.
4. Sports as a People’s Movement:
   1. Promotes mass participation through Fit India Movement, school & workplace fitness indices.
   1. Community-based fitness and recreational sports initiatives to build a sporting culture.
5. Integration with Education (NEP 2020):
   1. Embeds sports into the curriculum; trains educators; and encourages physical literacy.
   1. Supports school- and college-level competitions and early talent spotting.

Addressing Structural Challenges:

• Fragmented Governance: Introduces robust legal frameworks and national KPIs for transparency and accountability.
• Funding Gaps: Leverages PPP models and CSR initiatives to attract sustainable private investment.
• Limited Grassroots Infrastructure: Focuses on block-to-national level sports development, especially in rural areas.
• Lack of Sports Culture: Nationwide awareness campaigns and integration with education aim to instil lifetime sports engagement.

Challenges to the implementation of policy:

• Inter-ministerial coordination through Whole-of-Government Approach.
• Effective state-level alignment through the model policy framework
• Accountability of National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the local governments.
• Tackling doping and improving sports ethics education.

Measures Needed:

• Decentralized Execution: Empower states and panchayats with resources and autonomy.
• Capacity Building: Train more certified coaches, PE teachers, and sports medicine experts.
• Grassroots Funding: Ensure funds reach local levels through direct benefit and audit mechanisms.
• Inclusivity Monitoring: Set diversity benchmarks for women, para-athletes, and tribal participation.
• Anti-Doping Enforcement: Strengthen NADA and ethical education from school levels.
• Digital Sports Ecosystem: Integrate AI, data analytics, and mobile platforms for rural talent scouting.

Conclusion:

National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025 is a national mission to harness the potential of India’s youth and make sports a catalyst for economic growth, social equity, and global prestige. Its success will lie in timely execution, resource mobilization, and a true cultural shift toward sports as a way of life.

‘+1’ Value Addition:

• Constitutional Status: Sports is a State subject (Seventh Schedule).
• Important Bodies: Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
• Major Schemes: Khelo India (2017), TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme 2014), (2014), Fit India Movement (2019).
• Innovative models like “Adopt an Athlete”, “One Corporate-One Sport” to encourage funding should be adapted.

https://www.pressreader.com/india/mint-delhi/20250711/282256671512716

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