NEW DELHI - India's Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the National Sports Policy 2025, marking a significant step toward enhancing the country's sports infrastructure and participation.
The policy replaces the previous framework and focuses on creating a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates sports into education from schools to colleges. It emphasizes building synergies between society and sports, with initiatives to promote athletic activities in remote areas and reform governance structures.
Key objectives include engaging the Indian diaspora in sports development, which could open pathways for overseas Indian-origin athletes to contribute to national teams. This aligns with broader goals to position India as a global sports powerhouse, including preparations for hosting the 2036 Olympics.
Officials highlighted that the policy will foster talent identification and development through programs like talent hunts and major events. For instance, states such as Bihar are set to host international tournaments, including the Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025 and the Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025, reflecting the policy's push for decentralized sports growth.
Ahmedabad has been designated to host events like the 2025 Asian Swimming Championships and the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships, with ambitions for more global competitions in the coming years.
The initiative has been described as a landmark effort to empower citizens through sports, promoting inclusivity and excellence across disciplines.
