India Approves National Sports Policy 2025 to Boost Sporting Ecosystem

New Delhi - India's Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, marking a significant step toward enhancing the nation's sports infrastructure and promoting greater participation at all levels. The policy, which replaces the 2001 framework, focuses on integrating sports into societal development and fostering international competitiveness.Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NSP 2025 emphasizes building synergies between society and sports, with objectives including improved governance, athlete support, and diaspora engagement. Officials stated that the initiative aims to make sports bodies more accountable and athlete-centric, incorporating measures for transparency and dispute resolution.A related development includes the passage of the National Sports Governance Act 2025, which introduces mechanisms such as game courts and stronger representation for athletes in decision-making processes. This act is designed to address longstanding issues in sports administration, ensuring fair practices across federations.Key highlights of the NSP 2025 include:- **Engaging the Indian diaspora** through sports, potentially allowing overseas Indian-origin athletes to represent national teams in leagues like football.- Hosting major international events, such as the **2025 Asian Swimming Championship** and **2026 Asian Weightlifting Championship** in Ahmedabad, alongside targeted bids for the **2027 World Combat Games** and **2028 U20 World Athletics Championship**.- Promoting regional sports development, with states like Bihar set to host events including the **Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025**, **Khelo India Youth Games 2025**, and **Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025**.The policy also aligns with recent achievements in Indian sports, such as the women's football team's qualification for the AFC Asian Cup after a 2-1 victory over Thailand, and successes in archery and squash at Asian levels.Government sources indicated that these reforms are expected to elevate India's performance on the global stage, building on milestones like Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw exceeding 90 meters and multiple national records in athletics this year.Implementation details will be rolled out in phases, with a focus on grassroots programs and talent identification initiatives like Bihar's "Mashaal" talent hunt.