New Delhi: In a major policy shift aimed at transforming India’s sporting landscape, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, a comprehensive national sports policy designed to make India one of the top five sporting nations by 2047. The policy will replace the earlier National Sports Policy of 2001, and is being positioned as a strategic roadmap to overhaul India’s sports ecosystem and bolster its chances of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
Announcing the policy, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the initiative is based on insights gathered over the past decade and will focus on building world-class coaching systems, athlete support mechanisms, and a strong administrative framework. He emphasized that the Prime Minister has placed special emphasis on promoting sports, particularly in rural areas, and the policy reflects that vision. The document has been developed through extensive consultations involving central ministries, NITI Aayog, state governments, sports federations, athletes, experts, and members of the public.
The Khelo Bharat Niti aims to create a robust and inclusive sports culture, ensuring participation across all demographics. Key objectives include the development of elite-level infrastructure, integration of sports with education under the National Education Policy, and increased private sector involvement through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions. The policy also lays down plans for creating a “league culture” across a range of sports disciplines, even in those that are traditionally underfunded.
A significant component of the policy is its emphasis on linking sports to tourism and economic development. Highlighting the impact of major sporting events like the IPL on local economies, Vaishnaw noted that the policy will encourage the growth of sports as an economic driver. The plan also stresses inclusivity, targeting greater participation from women, LGBTQ communities, economically weaker sections, and tribal groups, with a focus on creating accessible infrastructure to eliminate barriers.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called the policy a “transformative step” and revealed that more than 40 private companies have shown interest in adopting individual Olympic sports. He stated that the policy outlines a clear strategy to promote grassroots development, boost infrastructure, and turn India into a dominant force in global sports.
As India builds momentum in its bid for the 2036 Olympics, the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 is expected to be the cornerstone of its sporting resurgence. With a long-term vision, the policy not only aspires to produce elite athletes but also aims to embed a vibrant sporting culture across the nation.
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