Kurukshetra · February 2026 · UPSC Current Affairs
Kurukshetra February 2026 — Complete UPSC Summary
Sports in India
Four-chapter deep-dive into Kurukshetra February 2026 — Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 (National Sports Policy), Evolution of Sports Governance, National Sports Governance Act 2025, and Government Sports Initiatives (Khelo India, TOPS, KIRTI, NSDF, Fit India, NCSSR). Enriched with rich value addition, current data, and Mains questions. Primarily relevant for GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice) and Essay.
GS Paper IIGovernanceSports PolicyNSG Act 2025Social InclusionUPSC Mains 2026
01
GS Paper II · Governance · Social Justice · Sports Policy
Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 — National Sports Policy
65% Population Below 355 PillarsOlympic Target 2036Sports as Nation-Building
India, with nearly 65% of its population below 35 years, possesses a major demographic dividend. To convert this into productive national capacity, the Government introduced Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 (National Sports Policy 2025) as a comprehensive, reform-oriented sports ecosystem framework — marking a decisive shift from a scheme-based approach to a system-based sports ecosystem model.
Four Core Objectives
- Universal Access & Mass Participation: Ensure universal access to sports across age groups and regions; promote mass participation and institutionalise competitive structures from district to national levels, creating a broad-based sporting culture
- Excellence & Career Development: Enhance India's performance in the Olympic, Asian and Commonwealth Games through scientific talent identification, structured athlete development pathways, integration of sports science and innovation, and promotion of sports as a viable career avenue
- Inclusive & Integrated Development: Integrate sports with the education system (NEP 2020) and public health framework; ensure equitable infrastructure access; reform sports governance; and promote inclusion of women, SC/STs, tribal communities and persons with disabilities
- Economic Growth & Ecosystem Expansion: Develop a comprehensive sports ecosystem by expanding the sports economy, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and positioning sports as a driver of economic growth and employment generation
Five Pillars of Khelo Bharat Niti 2025
🏆 1. Excellence on Global Stage
Strengthening NSFs; establishing high-performance centres; creating grassroots-to-elite pathways; integrating sports science & analytics; promoting Para-sports; hosting global events to enhance soft power and sports tourism. Target: top sporting nation by 2036.
💼 2. Sports for Economic Development
Promoting Make in India sports manufacturing; supporting sports-tech startups; leveraging PPP & asset monetisation; positioning India as a sports tourism hub for employment, exports and service sector growth.
🤝 3. Social Development & Inclusion
Ensuring participation of women, EWS, SC/STs, tribals and PwDs; promoting indigenous games (Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta); institutionalising district leagues; strengthening anti-doping & ethical governance.
🏃 4. Sports as People's Movement
Institutionalising Fitness Ranking System; aligning with Fit India; integrating sports under NEP 2020; promoting workplace wellness and district sports hubs to address lifestyle diseases & sedentary behaviour.
🖥️ 5. Governance, Tech & Institutional Reforms
Implementing governance reforms in NSFs; introducing KPIs; promoting data-driven monitoring & digital talent tracking; ensuring coordination between Centre, States and private sector.
📋 Strategic Framework
Governance Reforms (legal/regulatory framework); Private Sector (PPP/CSR); Technology & Innovation (AI, data analytics for talent ID); Monitoring & Evaluation (KPIs, time-bound targets); Model Policy for States to align with national goals.
Alignment with National Initiatives
- NEP 2020 — Integration of sports into school and university curriculum
- Fit India Movement — Physical literacy and wellness promotion
- Skill India — Coaching and sports skill development; sports as career
- Make in India — Sports manufacturing ecosystem (currently 90% imports)
- Digital India — Technology-enabled monitoring and talent identification
Five Challenges
- Federal Coordination: Sports is a State subject (Entry 33, State List) — leads to coordination gaps between Centre, States and NSFs; overlapping roles and fragmented implementation
- Infrastructure Imbalance: Uneven regional distribution, particularly rural and backward areas; poor maintenance; underutilisation of stadiums; limited revenue generation
- Governance Deficits: NSFs face lack of transparency, weak internal democracy and compliance gaps; inadequate anti-doping enforcement
- Athlete Welfare: Increasing commercialisation risks neglecting grassroots athletes; inadequate post-retirement security and mental health support
- Funding Gap: Government budget alone insufficient for world-class sports infrastructure; private sector and CSR contributions need structuring
💡Value Addition — India's Olympic Ambition 2036, Sports Economy, & Soft Power
- India's Olympic ambition — 2036 hosting bid: India is officially bidding to host the 2036 Olympics (as per PM Modi's announcement at IOC Session 2023). Ahmedabad is the proposed host city — with Gujarat's 100,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium potentially becoming the Olympic main venue. Hosting the Olympics would require USD 10-15 billion investment in infrastructure but generate USD 25-30 billion in economic impact through tourism, FDI, and brand building — similar to how the 1982 Asian Games transformed India's sports infrastructure.
- India's sports economy — size and potential: India's sports market is currently ~USD 2.4 billion (2024) — projected to reach USD 13 billion by 2030. However, cricket dominates at 87% — leaving only 13% for all other sports combined. By comparison, China's sports market is USD 200+ billion; USA's is USD 500+ billion. Khelo Bharat Niti 2025's focus on sports manufacturing (Make in India), sports tourism, and sports-tech startups aims to diversify and grow this market.
- Sports as soft power — India's model: India's cricket diplomacy (India-Pakistan matches as political signals), yoga's global reach (International Day of Yoga, 90+ countries), and traditional sports promotion (Khelo India's indigenous games focus) represent distinct strands of sports soft power. Hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Games, 2023 Cricket World Cup, and 2036 Olympic bid are tools of strategic soft power. India's sports diplomacy also includes bilateral sports cooperation agreements with 50+ countries.
- Sports as a career — economic dimension: The sports economy generates employment in: professional athletics, coaching (India needs 150,000 certified coaches — currently has 30,000), sports management, sports journalism, sports medicine, fitness industry, sports manufacturing, and esports. The estimated sports employment could reach 5 million by 2030 if targeted through Skill India and Khelo Bharat Niti — making sports not just a career but a sector of national employment generation.
- Paris 2024 Olympics — India's performance analysis: India sent 117 athletes to Paris 2024 (largest ever contingent) but won only 6 medals (1 silver, 5 bronze) — far below the 100 medal target that was set. The performance gap underscores structural weaknesses in grassroots scouting, sports science support, and psychological training. Countries like UK and Australia have transformed their performance through centralised high-performance systems (UK Sport, Australian Institute of Sport) — models India's Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 aims to replicate.
Mains Practice Question — Chapter 1
Q. "Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 represents a shift from a scheme-based approach to a system-based sports ecosystem model." Critically examine the vision, pillars, and challenges of India's National Sports Policy 2025. (GS II · 15 Marks)
Approach: Context (65% population below 35, demographic dividend, sports = nation-building tool) → 4 core objectives (universal access, excellence, inclusion, economic growth) → 5 pillars (global excellence, economic development, social inclusion, people's movement, governance/tech reforms) → Strategic framework (governance reforms, PPP/CSR, AI/analytics, KPIs, model for states) → Alignment (NEP 2020, Fit India, Skill India, Make in India, Digital India) → Challenges (sports as State subject, infrastructure imbalance, NSF governance deficits, athlete welfare, commercialisation vs grassroots) → Way forward (legally backed governance framework, Sports Infrastructure Fund with PPP, National Sports Development Index, digital talent mapping) → Conclusion: sports as pillar of nation-building, public health, economic expansion and global soft power
02
GS Paper II · Governance · History of Policy · Social Justice
Evolution of Sports Governance in India
1951 Asian Games HostSAI Est. 1986Cricket 87% MarketIOA Suspended 2022
India's sports governance journey reflects a progressive but uneven evolution from minimal post-independence institutional support → formal policy frameworks → scheme-driven programmes → the current system-based approach of Khelo Bharat Niti 2025. Understanding this evolution is essential for UPSC — as it reveals structural weaknesses and policy lessons.
Timeline of Sports Governance in India
| Year/Period | Development | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | India hosts first Asian Games, New Delhi | Signalled India's regional sporting ambition |
| 1954 | All-India Council of Sports (AICS) established | First government sports advisory body |
| 1982 | Department of Sports created (IX Asian Games) | First dedicated government sports department |
| 1984 | First National Sports Policy; SAI established | Infrastructure focus; Sports Authority of India born |
| 1985 | Renamed: Department of Youth Affairs & Sports | Youth + sports integrated governance |
| 1991 | Economic liberalisation; cable TV expansion | Sports visibility increased; cricket boom |
| 1997 | Draft Sports Policy (never enacted) | Proposed Centre-State division of responsibility |
| 1998 | NSDF established | Extra-budgetary PPP model for elite sports |
| 2000 | Elevated to full Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports | Policy priority signal |
| 2014 | TOPS launched; KIRTI initiated | Elite athlete support; talent identification |
| 2017 | NCSSR launched; Khelo India begins | Sports science integration; grassroots push |
| 2019 | Fit India Movement launched | Sports as mass health movement |
| 2022 | IOA suspended by IOC | Governance crisis; structural failure |
| 2025 | NSG Act 2025; Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 | Statutory governance + system-based policy |
Four Structural Challenges in India's Sports Ecosystem
- Governance Deficits and Institutional Weaknesses: Politicisation, red tape, and lack of professionalism in NSFs. Wrestling Federation of India controversy (2023) and IOA suspension by IOC (2022) reflect systemic failures. Vinesh Phogat missing Olympic qualification over a minor weight issue — highlights gaps in scientific coaching, planning, and accountability
- Skewed Sports Economy: Cricket accounted for 87% of India's sports market in 2023 — only 13% for all other sports. This limits funding and media visibility for athletics, hockey, wrestling, kabaddi. Sports infrastructure remains unevenly distributed, with rural and backward regions lacking access
- Weak Grassroots and Athlete Base: India sent its largest-ever Olympic contingent of 117 athletes to Paris 2024 — but participation remains far below USA (594), France (572), and Australia (460). Structural weaknesses in grassroots scouting and early athlete development — rural and tribal talent goes unnoticed
- Gender Disparity: Nearly 49% of girls drop out of sports — six times higher than boys — due to safety concerns, lack of role models and social stigma. 21% of women athletes report childhood abuse (UNESCO, 2024). Cultural overemphasis on academics discourages sports participation
💡Value Addition — IOA Suspension, India vs China in Sports, & Commonwealth Games Legacy
- IOA suspension by IOC (2022) — what happened: The IOC suspended the Indian Olympic Association in December 2022 for government interference in its elections — a clear violation of the Olympic Charter's principle of sports autonomy from political/governmental control. The suspension meant Indian athletes competed as neutrals at international events. The suspension was lifted in March 2023 after fresh elections were held. This episode directly led to the NSG Act 2025 — which mandates electoral reforms, athlete representation in governing bodies, and a National Sports Election Panel.
- India vs China in sports — governance comparison: China tops the Olympic medal tally with 40 golds at Paris 2024; India won 6 medals total. China's system: centralised state-funded high-performance centres, mandatory sports identification in schools (300+ sports schools), lifelong athlete support systems. India's system: fragmented, scheme-dependent, governance challenges. The National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) is India's attempt to build a China-style scientific sports support system — but requires 10x investment and 20-year sustained commitment.
- Sports and gender equality — a constitutional imperative: Article 15(3) of the Constitution enables special provisions for women — applicable to sports policy. The NSG Act 2025's mandate (50% women in SOMs, at least 4 women in Executive Committees) is an affirmative action in sports governance. UNESCO's "Sport and Gender Equality Game Plan 2024" and India's alignment with it represent India's commitment to SDG-5 (Gender Equality) through sports. However, equal pay for female athletes (Mary Kom, PV Sindhu earning fraction of male cricketers) remains unaddressed.
- India's indigenous sports — cultural identity: Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 explicitly promotes Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, and Kabaddi — India's traditional sports. These sports represent tangible cultural heritage (intangible cultural heritage under UNESCO's convention), have strong rural participation bases, require minimal infrastructure, and provide employment to traditional sports communities. Promoting indigenous sports is simultaneously a cultural policy, rural development policy, and sports inclusion policy.
- Sports budget analysis: India's total sports budget in FY 2025-26 is approximately ₹3,800 crore — just 0.04% of GDP. By comparison, UK spends 0.1% of GDP on sports, Australia 0.2%, China's sports investment is estimated at 0.5% of GDP. India's per-athlete investment is among the lowest in the world. The NSG Act 2025's move to attract CSR funding and PPP investment in sports infrastructure aims to bridge this chronic underfunding gap.
Mains Practice Question — Chapter 2
Q. "Despite significant institutional evolution since independence, India's sports governance continues to face structural weaknesses." Critically examine the challenges and way forward for India's sports ecosystem. (GS II · 15 Marks)
Approach: Evolution timeline (1951 Asian Games → AICS 1954 → NSP 1984 → SAI 1986 → MYAS 2000 → TOPS 2014 → NSG Act 2025) → Four structural challenges: (1) NSF governance (WFI controversy, IOA suspension 2022, Vinesh Phogat case) → (2) Skewed sports economy (cricket 87%, infrastructure inequality) → (3) Weak grassroots (Paris 2024: 117 athletes vs USA 594) → (4) Gender disparity (49% girls drop-out, 21% abuse UNESCO 2024) → Way forward: NSF governance reform (KPIs, transparency, RTI), grassroots (Australia Talent Search model, Khelo India/Fit India), sports economy diversification (AI/wearables, zonal science centres like UK), gender equity (UNESCO Game Plan 2024, equal pay, safe spaces) → Conclusion: sports as constitutional imperative, social mobility tool, and national soft power
03
GS Paper II · Governance · Legislation · Rights
National Sports Governance Act 2025
RTI Public Authority StatusSOMs — 50% WomenNational Sports TribunalCode of Ethics Mandatory
The Union Government notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, establishing a statutory framework for transparent and accountable functioning of National Sports Bodies (NSBs) and Regional Sports Federations. This represents India's most significant legislative intervention in sports governance — triggered by the IOA suspension by IOC (2022) and multiple NSF governance crises.
Sports Governance Structure in India — Four-Tier System
🏛️ MYAS (Apex)
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports — apex policy-making authority. Formulates national sports policies, recognises and regulates NSFs, allocates financial assistance. Sports falls under Entry 33 of State List — requires Centre-State coordination.
🏟️ SAI
Sports Authority of India (established 1984) — implements sports development programmes. Manages national training centres, sports infrastructure, elite athlete preparation through TOPS and Khelo India.
🏅 IOA
Indian Olympic Association — autonomous body recognised by IOC. Oversees India's participation in Olympics and multi-sport events. Affiliates NSFs governing Olympic disciplines. Suspended by IOC in 2022 for government interference.
🎽 NSFs (50+)
More than 50 National Sports Federations — regulate individual sports at national level. State Sports Authorities and State Olympic Associations handle grassroots development, talent identification, and state-level competitions.
Key Provisions of NSG Act 2025 — Five Pillars
1. Institutional Structure and Recognition Framework
- Provides for establishment and recognition of National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, National and Regional Sports Federations for each designated sport
- National Sports Board (NSB) grants recognition and registers affiliate units — only recognised bodies are eligible for Central Government funding
- Recognised organisations are deemed public authorities under the RTI Act, 2005 — ensuring transparency in sports governance
2. Representation, Inclusion and Ethical Governance
- General Bodies of NSFs must include at least four Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs), with 50% being women
- Executive Committees must include at least four women members
- SOMs must be minimum 25 years old, retired from active sports for at least one year, and classified under a 10-tier achievement system prioritising Olympic and international medalists
- Every National Sports Body must adopt a Code of Ethics ensuring minimum standards of professional and ethical conduct
3. Electoral Reforms and Oversight
- National Sports Election Panel mandated to oversee free and fair elections in NSBs
- Each NSB must constitute an electoral panel for its affiliates
- Persons convicted by a court and sentenced to imprisonment are disqualified from contesting elections or holding office
- Detailed election procedures and timelines prescribed to prevent manipulation
4. Dispute Resolution
- National Sports Tribunal established to adjudicate sports-related disputes, except those relating to international competitions or internal disputes of national bodies
- All NSBs must amend their constitutions/bye-laws within six months to comply with the Act
5. Government Powers and Exemptions
- Central Government may grant exemptions from specific provisions in public interest for promotion of sport
- NSB members appointed through a search-cum-selection committee requiring expertise in sports governance, law or public administration
💡Value Addition — NSG Act vs Lodha Committee, Comparative Sports Governance, & Athlete Rights
- NSG Act 2025 vs Lodha Committee (Cricket): The Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee (2016) recommended fundamental reforms for BCCI — age limit (70 years), tenure limit (3 years/2 terms), cooling-off periods, and one state-one vote — aimed at making cricket governance accountable. The NSG Act 2025 applies similar principles (ethical conduct, athlete representation, transparent elections, RTI) to all NSFs — a "Lodha Committee principles for all sports" approach. However, BCCI, being a private body, remains outside the NSG Act's purview.
- RTI in sports governance — significance: The NSG Act 2025's provision making recognised NSBs "public authorities under RTI Act 2005" is transformative. Previously, NSFs — despite receiving public funds — were not subject to RTI. Athletes like Dutee Chand and wrestlers protesting against WFI could not access NSF financial records or governance documents. RTI status enables civil society accountability, media scrutiny, and athlete empowerment — a fundamental democratic reform.
- Athlete representation in governance — global models: World Athletics mandates athlete representation on its Council. UK Sport has an Athletes' Advisory Board with binding representation. Australia's Sports Commission requires athletes on sport governing bodies. India's NSG Act (SOMs mandate) aligns with these global best practices. The 10-tier achievement system for SOM classification (Olympic medalists → national champions → district champions) creates an inclusive merit-based representation framework.
- National Sports Tribunal — significance: India's sports dispute resolution was ad-hoc — athletes had to approach civil courts (slow) or international arbitration (expensive, accessible only to funded athletes). The National Sports Tribunal provides a fast, affordable, expert forum for disputes about selection, doping, eligibility, and contract issues. India's experience with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) — where Vinesh Phogat's appeal was rejected minutes before the medal ceremony — underscores the need for domestic sports dispute resolution.
- Doping in Indian sports — the regulatory challenge: India has one of the world's highest doping violation rates — 152 violations in 2022 (WADA Report), second highest globally after Russia. National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) faces chronic underfunding and institutional capacity gaps. The NSG Act 2025's anti-doping provisions complement NADA's mandate — requiring NSFs to establish anti-doping units, education programmes, and testing protocols aligned with WADA's World Anti-Doping Code.
Mains Practice Questions — Chapter 3
Q1. "Sports governance in India has undergone significant statutory and institutional reforms in recent years." Discuss the key features of the National Sports Governance Act 2025 and evaluate how welfare and recognition schemes contribute to strengthening athlete-centric governance. (GS II · 15 Marks — from Kurukshetra)
Approach: Context (IOA suspension 2022, NSF governance crises, WFI controversy) → Sports governance structure (MYAS apex, SAI implementation, IOA autonomous, 50+ NSFs) → NSG Act 2025 five pillars: Institutional (NSB recognition, RTI public authority status, Central funding linked to recognition), Representation (SOMs 4+, 50% women, EC 4 women, 10-tier system), Electoral (National Sports Election Panel, convicted persons barred), Dispute Resolution (National Sports Tribunal), Government Powers (exemptions, search-cum-selection) → Athlete welfare schemes (National Sports Awards, Pension ₹12-20k/month, Deendayal Welfare ₹10 lakh, TOPS support) → Assessment: governance reform + athlete welfare = accountability and inclusion → Challenges (BCCI outside purview, state-level implementation, doping challenge) → Way forward
04
GS Paper II · Governance · Social Justice · Sports Policy
Government Initiatives for Sports in India
Khelo India ₹1,000 CrTOPS — 250-350 AthletesKIRTI — 20 Lakh AssessmentsNCSSR ₹260 Crore
India's sports ecosystem is supported by a comprehensive architecture of government initiatives spanning mass participation → grassroots talent identification → elite athlete support → scientific sports infrastructure. Together these schemes address the full athlete development pipeline from school sports to Olympic podium.
Complete Scheme Architecture
₹1,000 CrKhelo India Programme allocation FY 2025-26
3,000Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) with ₹6.28 lakh/year scholarship
1,045Khelo India Centres (KICs) established nationwide
34State Centres of Excellence for elite development
250-350Athletes supported annually under TOPS
₹260 CrNCSSR allocation (2017-2026) for sports science
1. Khelo India Programme — Foundation of India's Sports Pyramid
- Allocation FY 2025-26: ~₹1,000 crore
- Khelo India Athletes (KIAs): ~3,000 athletes; annual scholarship ₹6.28 lakh; ₹10,000/month out-of-pocket allowance
- Infrastructure: 1,045 Khelo India Centres (KICs) across districts; 34 State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) for elite development; 306 accredited academies providing advanced training and residential facilities; ₹3,124.12 crore sanctioned for 326 sports infrastructure projects
- Current status: 2,845 KIAs receiving benefits; 296 accredited academies (222 non-SAI, 74 SAI) offering residential coaching
- Competitive events: Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), University Games (KIUG), Para Games, Winter Games — 17+ editions with 50,000+ athletes cumulatively
- First Khelo India Water Games: Held at Dal Lake, August 21-23, 2025 — 400+ athletes from 36 States/UTs competed in rowing, canoeing, kayaking
- Women's participation: 575 Women's Leagues across 21 sports with 60,147 participants; ASMITA portal to showcase women athletes; "Dus Ka Dum" initiative: 1,500 events, 1 lakh women
- Indigenous sports: Focus on Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta — 108 training centres and 21 appointed coaches; ₹5.7 crore for State/District-level events for PwDs
2. Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Programme — AI-Powered Pipeline
- Technology-driven talent identification for children aged 9–18 years
- Uses MyBharat portal, artificial intelligence and data analytics for transparent assessments
- 174 Talent Assessment Centres (TACs) operational nationwide across 11 sports disciplines
- Talent evaluation through standardised protocols, AI, and data analytics; integration with Khelo India database for athlete follow-up
- Target: 20 lakh physical assessments in FY 2024-25
- Vision: scientifically identify talent early; build athlete pipeline; support India's goal of becoming top-10 sporting nation by 2036
3. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) — Elite Excellence
- Launched 2014; provides customised support to India's top Olympic and Paralympic medal prospects
- Funded mainly through National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)
- Core Group: ₹50,000/month out-of-pocket allowance
- Development Group (junior athletes): ₹25,000/month
- Supporting 250-350 athletes annually; covers international training, specialised equipment, elite coaching
- TOPS contributed to India's medal-winning success in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics
4. National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) — PPP Funding Model
- Established in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890
- Mobilises extra-budgetary resources from government, PSUs, private companies and individuals; government provides matching grants to donations received
- Used for customised elite athlete training and specialised sports infrastructure
- Promotes PPP model; recommendations to increase CSR contributions for long-term financial sustainability
5. Fit India Movement — Sports as Public Health
- Launched August 2019; promotes fitness as a lifestyle; addresses rising NCDs and obesity
- NFHS-5: nearly 24% of Indian adults are overweight — highlighting need for preventive action
- Promotes behavioural change through mass campaigns, Fit India Mobile App, community programmes ("Sundays on Cycle")
- Over 23 lakh school children have undergone fitness assessments
- Links physical activity with preventive healthcare and improved productivity
- Major 2025 initiatives: Fit India Carnival 2025 (three-day wellness festival, New Delhi); "Fit India – Healthy Hindustan" national talk show (2023); Fit India Family Sessions; 1,500+ Fit India Plog Runs (fitness + environmental consciousness)
6. National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) — Science for Champions
- Launched 2017; strengthens scientific support for athletes
- Allocation: ~₹260 crore up to 2025-26
- Includes central hub + supports six university-based Sports Science Departments and five Sports Medicine Departments in medical institutions
- Focus: injury prevention, rehabilitation, performance enhancement, and advanced research
- Integrates sports science into athlete preparation — nutrition, physiology, biomechanics, psychology
7. National Sports Awards — Recognition System
| Award | For | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award | Exceptional performance over four years at international level | Highest sporting honour in India |
| Arjuna Award | Consistent international achievements, sportsmanship, discipline | Recognition of elite consistent performers |
| Dronacharya Award | Coaches who have nurtured athletes to top-level success | Recognises coaching excellence |
| Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award | Lifetime contributions to sport — during and after active career | Acknowledges sustained contribution |
| Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy | Universities excelling in inter-university sports | Promotes sports in higher education |
| Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar | Institutions supporting sports through CSR, talent promotion, athlete employment | Incentivises private sector sports investment |
8. Athlete Welfare Schemes
- Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons: Lifelong monthly pension of ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 for retired international medal-winning athletes (upon reaching 30 years of age) — post-retirement dignity and social security
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Programme: Financial assistance up to ₹10 lakh to distinguished former athletes facing financial hardship or medical emergencies — safety net for athletes who contributed to national prestige
💡Value Addition — Sports Science, Australia's AIS Model & India's Medal Count Analysis
- Australia's AIS model — what India must learn: The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), established 1981, transformed Australia from a mediocre Olympic performer (1976: no medals) to a consistent top-10 nation (Paris 2024: 53 medals — 18 gold). AIS's model: centralised high-performance science (physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition); individual athlete performance plans; 24/7 support staff; overseas training partnerships; performance-linked funding. India's NCSSR is modelled on AIS but receives only ₹260 crore total vs AIS's annual budget of AUD 180 million (~₹1,000 crore). India needs at least 5x more investment in sports science.
- India's medal count trajectory — structural analysis: India won 7 medals at Tokyo 2020 (highest ever at that time) and 6 at Paris 2024. The decline from 7 to 6 despite a larger contingent (117 vs 128 at Tokyo) reveals a structural problem: India's medal prospects come from 6-8 individuals (Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Manu Bhaker, Lakshya Sen), not a systemic pipeline. Countries like USA, China, and UK have 50-100+ medal prospects across disciplines — India needs 20x more athletes at elite level, achievable only through 20-year grassroots investment. KIRTI's 20 lakh assessments target is the right first step.
- Sports and NCD prevention — public health case for sports investment: India's NCD burden costs 2-3% of GDP annually in lost productivity and healthcare. NFHS-5 shows 24% adults overweight; ICMR data shows India has 101 million diabetics (highest globally). Regular physical activity reduces type-2 diabetes risk by 30-50%, cardiovascular disease by 35%, depression by 30%. The Fit India Movement's integration with preventive healthcare makes sports investment a cost-effective public health tool — every ₹1 invested in sports infrastructure saves ₹3-4 in healthcare costs (WHO estimate).
- Esports and the new sports economy: India has 650 million esports enthusiasts (2025) — the world's second-largest esports market. The Indian esports economy is valued at USD 250 million (2024), growing 30% annually. Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 recognises esports as a legitimate sports discipline, opening government infrastructure, scholarship schemes, and career pathways to esports athletes. India's team won gold at Asian Games 2022 (esports as demonstration sport) and 2023 Asian Esports Games. The NSG Act 2025's framework may eventually extend to esports federation governance.
- PM-USPY and sports infrastructure at universities: The PM University Sports Policy for Youth (PM-USPY) mandates sports infrastructure development in universities and integration under Khelo India. India has 1,100+ universities and 45,000+ colleges — most with inadequate sports facilities. Mandatory sports infrastructure under PM-USPY, linked to Khelo India University Games (KIUG), creates a pipeline from college sports to national competitions. Countries like USA have built Olympic champions through college sports systems (NCAA) — India's university sports development is the missing link between school sports and national elite programmes.
Mains Practice Question — Chapter 4
Q2. Examine the role of government initiatives such as Khelo India, TOPS, NSDF and NCSSR in creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem in India. How do these schemes address grassroots participation, elite performance and financial sustainability? (GS II · 15 Marks — from Kurukshetra)
Approach: Full athlete development pipeline framework → Grassroots (Khelo India: ₹1,000 Cr, 3,000 KIAs, 1,045 KICs, 34 SCoEs; KIRTI: 174 TACs, AI/data analytics, 11 disciplines, 20L assessments; Fit India: 23L school children, NCDs 24% adults) → Elite performance (TOPS: 2014, 250-350 athletes, Core Group ₹50k/month, Dev Group ₹25k/month, NSDF matching grants, Tokyo 2020 + Paris 2024 success) → Science integration (NCSSR: 2017, ₹260 Cr, 6 university sports science depts, 5 sports medicine depts, AIS comparison) → Recognition/welfare (6 National Sports Awards, Pension ₹12-20k/month, Deendayal ₹10 lakh welfare) → Financial sustainability (PPP model through NSDF, CSR recommendations, asset monetisation) → Challenges (budget 0.04% GDP, cricket dominance 87%, gender gap, coaching shortage 150k needed) → Way forward
Frequently Asked Questions
Kurukshetra February 2026 — All Key Questions Answered
Optimised for Google Featured Snippets and UPSC aspirant searches — Sports in India theme.
The theme of Kurukshetra February 2026 is "Sports in India". It covers 4 chapters: (1) Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 (National Sports Policy 2025) — 4 objectives, 5 pillars, 5 strategic reforms, India's Olympic ambition 2036; (2) Evolution of Sports Governance — 1951 Asian Games to NSP 2025, IOA suspension 2022, cricket 87% market, gender disparity (49% girls drop-out); (3) National Sports Governance Act 2025 — NSB recognition with RTI status, SOMs (4 + 50% women), National Sports Election Panel, National Sports Tribunal, Code of Ethics; (4) Government Sports Initiatives — Khelo India (₹1,000 crore, 1,045 KICs), TOPS (₹50k/month, 250-350 athletes), KIRTI (AI, 20 lakh assessments), NSDF, Fit India Movement, NCSSR (₹260 crore). Relevant for GS Paper II.
Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 is India's comprehensive sports ecosystem framework launched to convert India's demographic dividend (65% population below 35 years) into productive national capacity. It marks a shift from scheme-based to system-based sports governance. 4 Core Objectives: Universal Access & Mass Participation; Excellence & Career Development; Inclusive & Integrated Development; Economic Growth & Ecosystem Expansion. 5 Pillars: Excellence on Global Stage; Sports for Economic Development (Make in India, sports-tech startups, PPP); Social Development & Inclusion (women, SC/ST, PwD, indigenous games); Sports as People's Movement (Fitness Ranking System, NEP 2020 integration); Governance, Technology & Institutional Reforms (KPIs, digital talent tracking). Target: top sporting nation by 2036; hosting 2036 Olympics.
The NSG Act 2025 (with Rules 2026) establishes statutory sports governance. Key provisions: (1) National Sports Board (NSB) — grants recognition; only recognised bodies get Central Government funding; recognised organisations are public authorities under RTI Act 2005; (2) Representation — General Bodies must include at least 4 Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs), with 50% being women; Executive Committees must have at least 4 women members; SOMs: minimum 25 years, retired 1 year, 10-tier achievement system; (3) Electoral Reforms — National Sports Election Panel; convicted persons disqualified; (4) National Sports Tribunal — dispute resolution for sports-related matters; (5) Code of Ethics mandatory; constitutions to be amended within 6 months.
The Khelo India Programme received ₹1,000 crore allocation in FY 2025-26. It supports nearly 3,000 Khelo India Athletes (KIAs), each with annual scholarship of ₹6.28 lakh (including ₹10,000 monthly out-of-pocket allowance). Over 1,045 Khelo India Centres (KICs) and 34 State Centres of Excellence established. 2,845 KIAs receiving benefits; 296 accredited academies offering residential coaching. ₹3,124.12 crore sanctioned for 326 sports infrastructure projects. Khelo India events: Youth Games, University Games, Para Games, Winter Games — 17+ editions, 50,000+ athletes cumulatively. First Khelo India Water Games at Dal Lake, August 2025. KIRTI Programme: 174 Talent Assessment Centres, 11 sports disciplines, 20 lakh assessment target using MyBharat portal and AI.
TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), launched 2014, provides customised support to India's top Olympic and Paralympic medal prospects. Funded mainly through NSDF (National Sports Development Fund, established 1998 under Charitable Endowments Act 1890). Athletes divided into: Core Group (₹50,000/month out-of-pocket allowance) and Development Group/junior athletes (₹25,000/month). Supporting 250-350 athletes annually. Covers international training, specialised equipment, and elite coaching. TOPS contributed to India's medal performance in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. The NCSSR (National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research), launched 2017, has ₹260 crore allocation up to 2025-26 — supports 6 university-based Sports Science Departments and 5 Sports Medicine Departments.
National Sports Awards are conferred annually by the President of India on National Sports Day (29 August). Six major awards: (1) Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award — exceptional international performance over four years (highest honour); (2) Arjuna Award — consistent international achievements and sportsmanship; (3) Dronacharya Award — coaches who nurtured athletes to top-level success; (4) Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award — lifetime contributions during and after active career; (5) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy — universities excelling in inter-university sports; (6) Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar — institutions supporting sports through CSR and talent promotion. Additionally: Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons (₹12,000-20,000/month lifelong); Deendayal Upadhyay Welfare Programme (up to ₹10 lakh for former athletes in hardship).
Kurukshetra February 2026 (Sports in India) is primarily relevant for: GS Paper II — Governance (NSG Act 2025, RTI in sports, sports governance structure MYAS/SAI/IOA/NSFs, IOA suspension 2022), Social Justice (sports and social inclusion — women, SC/ST, PwD, indigenous games; gender disparity 49% girls drop-out, 21% abuse UNESCO 2024), Welfare (athlete welfare schemes, pension, Deendayal programme), Health (Fit India Movement, NCDs, sports as preventive health); GS Paper III — Economy (sports economy USD 2.4 billion, Make in India sports manufacturing, sports-tech startups, PPP/CSR in sports); Essay — "Sports as nation-building: India's Olympic ambition", "From Khelo India to 2036 Olympics — reimagining India as a sporting nation", "Sports governance reforms — balancing autonomy with accountability".
Legacy IAS Academy · Bangalore · 96069 00005
Master Kurukshetra & Current Affairs
for UPSC Mains 2026
Kurukshetra February 2026 covers Sports Policy, Governance Reforms, and Government Initiatives — all relevant GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice) topics. Legacy IAS covers Kurukshetra comprehensively every month with answer writing practice under Pavan Sir. UPSC Mains 2026: August 21.
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Monthly Magazine Analysis
Yojana, Kurukshetra & EPW — chapter-by-chapter with UPSC angle and value addition.
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Answer Writing Mentorship
Personalised feedback on Governance, Sports Policy, and Social Justice answers under Pavan Sir.
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GS Paper II Focus
Sports in India maps directly to Governance, Social Justice, and Rights Mains questions.
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Self Learning + Mentorship
Flexible programme — as chosen by AIR 45 Priya Singh Chauhan (UPSC CSE 2025).
