In a significant move to professionalize Indian sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has directed all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to submit detailed five-year development plans by August. Additionally, each federation must identify and announce three good governance initiatives by August 29, observed as National Sports Day. This directive was announced during the Khelo Bharat Conclave, aligning with the goals of the newly approved National Sports Policy 2025.
Purpose Behind the Roadmap Mandate
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the exercise is intended to transform India into a top-10 Olympic nation by 2036 and a global sporting powerhouse by 2047. He highlighted that structured planning, coordination, and accountability among all stakeholders are essential for achieving long-term success in international sports.
Key Components of the Five-Year Plans
Under the new directive, federations must:
- Submit a five-year strategic plan by August, which will form the foundation of a broader 10-year roadmap.
- Identify three governance reforms, such as transparency measures, athlete welfare programs, or internal audits, and announce them by National Sports Day (August 29).
- Finalize selection criteria and policies for the 2026 Asian Games by August 29 to allow athletes and coaches ample preparation time.
- Submit their Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) by October 1 to streamline national and international scheduling.
These structured requirements are designed to ensure each federation operates with a clear vision, measurable goals, and a commitment to transparency and efficiency.
Innovation, Funding & Performance-Based Initiatives
In addition to roadmap requirements, the conclave introduced several forward-thinking initiatives:
- Performance-based funding models to ensure that public money supports results-driven programs.
- Introduction of gene testing to identify sport-specific physiological potential in young athletes.
- Expansion of One Corporate One Sport, a partnership model encouraging private investment in grassroots and elite sports programs.
These reforms are intended to integrate modern science, data-driven decision-making, and public-private collaboration into Indian sports.
Governance and Legislative Support
The initiative coincides with the expected tabling of the National Sports Governance Bill during the monsoon session of Parliament. The bill aims to bring all sports bodies under a uniform governance framework, ensuring transparency, professional administration, and better coordination across national federations.
This legislative push complements the National Sports Policy 2025, which focuses on building an athlete pipeline, enhancing coaching systems, leveraging technology, and promoting sports as both a competitive pursuit and a cultural movement.
Ecosystem-Level Developments
Parallel developments across India’s sports ecosystem include:
- Launch of multiple Khelo India Centers across states, such as six proposed centers in Delhi, to support grassroots athlete development.
- Government support for 13 multi-city franchise-based sports leagues, aimed at driving commercial viability and mass engagement.
- Formation of a fact-finding committee by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to ensure timely and transparent elections within federations.
- Adoption of advanced athlete tracking and monitoring systems by federations like the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to prepare for the 2026 Asian Games and other major events.
Why This Matters
This directive marks a clear transition from reactive and fragmented sports planning to a structured, long-term strategy. By requiring federations to submit five-year blueprints and align on governance standards, the Sports Ministry is fostering a performance-focused, accountable, and future-ready sports culture.
Key shifts include:
- Prioritization of strategic planning and administrative reforms
- Integration of scientific methods and analytics into athlete development
- Promotion of private sector partnerships in sports infrastructure and sponsorship
- Clarity and timeliness in selection policies and training schedules
Final Take
The Sports Ministry’s push for a five-year roadmap and governance reform is a game-changing move in India’s quest to become a dominant force in global sports. With policy, funding, and technology converging, this initiative is poised to transform how India trains, supports, and celebrates its athletes.
As federations gear up to meet the August deadlines, this marks the beginning of a more professional, performance-oriented, and accountable era in Indian sports.
Photo Credit: HT
