In a major policy move, the Cabinet approved the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, described as a ‘strategic roadmap’ to elevate India into the top five sporting nations worldwide.
The policy aims to create world-class coaching, athlete support systems, and a robust administrative framework to strengthen India’s position as a strong contender for the 2036 Olympic Games.
This policy supersedes the earlier National Sports Policy of 2001 and draws on lessons from over a decade of sports development. It will serve as a guiding document for formulating plans and schemes to upgrade the country’s sports infrastructure, governance, and athlete nurturing systems.
Objectives & vision
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the policy as comprehensive and well thought through.
“The major objective is to make India a top-five sporting nation by 2047,” he said, emphasising the Prime Minister’s focus on promoting sports, especially in rural areas.
Vaishnaw also highlighted that the policy establishes a governance framework for sports, aiming to link sports with tourism and economic growth.
“People travel extensively to watch sporting events like the IPL or football matches, which boosts tourism and economic development,” he added.
The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 seeks to integrate sports deeply into the educational framework, aligning with the National Education Policy. It aims to equip educators and physical education teachers with specialised training to promote sports education from the grassroots.
A key feature of the policy is encouraging greater private sector involvement. Innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships (PPPs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, will support infrastructure development and athlete programmes.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya welcomed the policy as ‘a transformative step towards reshaping India’s sporting ecosystem’.
He highlighted ongoing consultations with over 40 private companies interested in adopting Olympic sports and fostering a ‘league culture’ across multiple disciplines, including those traditionally underfunded.
Promoting inclusivity & wider participation
The policy also aims to increase inclusivity in sports by focusing on under-represented groups such as women, the LGBTQ+ community, economically disadvantaged sections, and tribal populations.
It recognises that creating accessible sports facilities can break down barriers and promote active participation.
With the ambitious goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, India is pushing to build world-class sports infrastructure and attract international events.
The Khelo Bharat Niti will guide this development, ensuring that investments and initiatives are strategically aligned for long-term growth.
Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 represents a bold step in India’s sporting journey, combining grassroots development, private sector partnerships, and inclusive policies to create a vibrant and competitive sporting environment.
The government’s focus on governance, financing, and education aims to position India as a global sporting powerhouse in the decades to come.
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