National Sports Policy 2025

Mains syllabus: GS -II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Why in the news?

Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025.

What is National Sports Policy 2025?

• Aim - It is a landmark initiative aimed at reshaping the country’s sporting landscape and empowering citizens through sports
• Existing Policy - The new policy supersedes the existing National Sports Policy, 2001.
• Strategic Roadmap - It lays out a visionary and strategic roadmap to establish India as a global sporting powerhouse.
• Excellence in Sports – To make a strong contender for excellence at international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
• Stakeholders – It is the outcome of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, domain experts, and public stakeholders.
• Sports Regulatory Board - The policy suggests setting up a Sports Regulatory Board fix ongoing problems like internal fights and poor management in sports federations.
• This board will have the authority to give, renew, or cancel the recognition of sports bodies.

What are the key pillars of National sports policy 2025?

• Excellence on the Global Stage - It focuses on achieving the nation's excellence on the global stage by enhancing infrastructure, talent identification and international competitiveness.
• Encourage the adoption of sports science, sports science, medicine, and technology to boost athletic performance.

• Sports for Economic Development - It emphasises leveraging sports to boost industries such as tourism, manufacturing and sports technology.
• Encourage private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and innovative funding initiatives.
• Sports for Social Development – The policy emphasizes the role of sports in driving social inclusion by
  • Promoting participation among marginalized sections through focused programs.
  • Revitalizing and promoting indigenous and traditional games.
  • Positioning sports as a viable career option by integrating it into education.
  • Engaging the Indian diaspora through sports.
• Sports as a people's movement – To make sports a national movement, the policy aims to
  • Drive mass participation and a culture of fitness through nationwide campaigns and community-based events.
  • Launch fitness indices for schools, colleges, and workplaces etc.
  • Enhance universal access to sports facilities.
• Integration with Education (NEP 2020) - It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to integrate sports with education.

What are the Strategic Frameworks of the Policy?

• To realise its objectives, the NSP 2025 lays down a comprehensive implementation strategy.
• Governance - Establish a robust regulatory framework for sports governance, including legal framework.
• Private Sector Funding & support - Develop innovative financing mechanisms and engage private sector participation through PPPs and CSR.
• Technology & Innovation - Leverage emerging technologies, including AI and data analytics, for performance tracking, research, and program implementation.
• National Monitoring Framework - Create a national framework with well-defined benchmarks, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and time-bound targets.
• Model Policy for States - The NSP 2025 will serve as a model for States and Union Territories, encouraging them to revise or formulate their own policies in alignment with national objectives.
• Whole-of-Government Approach - The policy calls for integration of sports promotion into the activities, schemes, and programs of all Ministries and Departments to achieve a holistic impact.

What lies ahead?

• With its structured vision and forward-looking strategy, National Sports Policy 2025 sets India on a transformative path toward becoming a leading sporting nation globally, while creating healthier, more engaged, and empowered citizens.

Reference

PIB| National sports policy.