The National Sports Policy 2025 marks a turning point in how India supports its athletes, not just through passion and perseverance, but through precision, science, and structure.
For the first time, the country is embedding evidence-based sports science and cutting-edge technology directly into athlete development.
As a long-time practitioner in sports medicine, I find this shift both necessary and inspiring.
The policy places athlete health and high performance at the forefront, ensuring that elite competitors are supported by systems designed for long-term success.
To compete consistently on the global stage, talent and hard work must be backed by smart systems.
The National Sports Policy recognises this and integrates key disciplines such as sports medicine, biomechanics, injury prevention, and mental conditioning. These pillars will ensure athletes not only perform but also thrive.
What’s particularly promising is the policy’s emphasis on nutrition, recovery science, and cognitive conditioning.
These often-overlooked elements make the critical difference between near-misses and podium finishes.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has already begun modernising its regional and national centres with advanced sports science equipment. For instance, the SAI regional centre in Bengaluru, which hosts many of India’s Olympic prospects under the TOPS scheme, now has world-class facilities.
Similarly, a new Return to Sports division at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi offers multidisciplinary support with physiotherapists, psychologists, data scientists, and surgeons working together.
In a historic step, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association, deployed a 10-member medical panel, including myself, to Paris for the Olympic Games.
For the first time, Indian athletes had an on-ground medical team monitoring injuries, recovery, and decision-making during competition. The policy smartly leverages technology for both governance and performance.
AI-powered dashboards, real-time recovery tracking, and predictive analysis tools will enable timely interventions and help coaches and athletes make data-backed decisions.
Even more exciting is the policy’s focus on sports innovation. A proposed task force and funding for interdisciplinary research will drive India-specific solutions in training, equipment, and injury management.
The National Sports Policy 2025 is not just forward-looking; it is foundational.
By anchoring athlete development in science and innovation, India is finally building the support systems needed to create champions.
Talent and training may spark potential, but systems, science, and sustained care will turn it into lasting success.
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