A look at India’s sports policy journey

Post-1947: Early Years of Nation-Building

• Focus post-Independence: poverty, health, education — sports not a priority.
• 1951: Hosted 1st Asian Games — soft power assertion.
• 1954: Set up All-India Council of Sports (AICS) for policy and funding advice.
• Funding was limited; many athletes missed global events due to lack of support.
• Despite this, Indian men’s hockey team dominated (1920–1980); notable athletes emerged (e.g., Milkha Singh, Kamaljeet Sandhu).

Relevance : GS 2(Governance)

Turning Point: 1982 Asian Games

• Hosted in Delhi — boosted awareness and infrastructure.
• Led to creation of:
  • NSP 1984 – India’s first National Sports Policy, focused on infrastructure, mass participation & education integration.
  • 1986 NEP integrated sports into education.
  • SAI (Sports Authority of India) founded to implement policy and develop talent.

1990s to Early 2000s: Liberalisation and Cultural Shift

• Economic reforms (1991) and cable TV raised sports visibility and aspirations.
• 1997 Draft NSP suggested Union–State division of sports responsibilities; never finalized.
• 2000: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) formed.
• 2001: Revised NSP launched for mass participation and elite performance.

Recent Reforms & Schemes

• NSDC 2011: Sports Development Code – aimed at regulating sports bodies (governance, anti-doping, age fraud, gender equality); poor implementation.
• Major schemes:
  • TOPS (2014): Elite athlete support (coaching, nutrition, training).
  • Khelo India (2017): Grassroots youth talent identification.
  • Fit India Movement (2019): Promoted fitness as public health goal.

Olympic Performance (2000–2020s)

• 2004: Rajyavardhan Rathore (silver),
  2008: Abhinav Bindra (gold),
  2008 & 2012: Boxing bronzes – Vijender Singh, Mary Kom.
• Still limited Olympic medal tally despite potential.
• India at Tokyo 2020 – Highlights
  • Total Medals: 7 🥇1 Gold, 🥈2 Silver, 🥉4 Bronze
    → India’s best-ever Olympic medal haul

Latest Momentum & Future Goals

• 2036 Olympics Bid: India expresses intent to host, sparking reform push.
• 2024: Draft National Sports Policy & Governance Bill released.
• 2025: NSP 2025 (Khelo Bharat Niti) unveiled — aligns with Olympic aspirations.
• Urgent Issues:
  • India tops WADA global doping list – reforms needed.
  • Delayed governance reforms (e.g., 2017 Draft Good Governance Code).

Challenges

• Sports is a State subject – leads to fragmented implementation.
• Policies often lack execution and accountability.
• Weak market & societal engagement until recently.
• Need for investment in:
  • Scientific coaching
  • Physical literacy
  • Sports-integrated education

Conclusion

• India’s sports ecosystem has moved from neglect to reform.
• A sporting nation requires consistent policy, grassroots inclusion, and elite excellence.
• Long-term success lies in institutional integrity, mass participation, and scientific systems.