The Sports Ministry has announced a significant increase in financial support for National Sports Federations (NSFs) to host international tournaments in India. The funding ceiling has been raised from Rs 2 crore to Rs 50 crore as part of a new funding scheme. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s sporting infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games and the bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

On Friday, October 16, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports released the updated operational guidelines, confirming the continuation of the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total budget of Rs 7,386.74 crore. This announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statements regarding India’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics during an interaction with Asian Games medallists in New Delhi.

The revised funding structure indicates that the Rs 50 crore allocation will not be automatic. Instead, it will depend on various factors, including the significance of the event, the number of participating nations and athletes, and a review process conducted by a committee led by the Sports Secretary.

Support for National Games and Athlete Development

The revised scheme also extends financial assistance of up to Rs 50 crore for the National Games, covering essential expenses such as sports equipment, timing, scoring, and remuneration for technical officials. This increase is designed to bolster India’s capacity to host international competitions and provide national federations with enhanced financial backing for organising events domestically.

Beyond hosting events, the scheme serves as the primary means through which the government supports athletes preparing for major international competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Paralympic Games. Recognised federations can access funds for various needs, including national coaching camps, training at academies, sports kits, and insurance.

Additional funding provisions encompass the hiring of foreign coaches, high-performance directors, physiotherapists, and other support staff, as well as opportunities for overseas training and competition exposure. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the overall performance of Indian athletes on the global stage.

Establishment of Olympic Training Centres

A notable feature of the revised guidelines is the proposed establishment of Olympic Training Centres (OTCs). These specialised facilities will focus on individual sports and will be equipped with modern training infrastructure and sports science resources. Elite athletes training at these centres will receive support for coaches, technical staff, and specialised equipment.

The objective of these centres is to provide high-quality training within India, thereby reducing reliance on overseas facilities. They are expected to complement existing training arrangements at National Centres of Excellence and private academies, fostering a more robust training environment for athletes. The revised guidelines also emphasise the importance of developing a pipeline of athletes and coaches.

National Sports Federations are required to allocate at least 20 per cent of their annual assistance budget for grassroots development through their affiliated units. Furthermore, annual national championships for various categories are mandated to ensure broad participation and talent identification. For coach development, federations must allocate at least 10 per cent of their funding towards plans for enhancing the skills of coaches and technical staff.

Those with annual budgets exceeding Rs 10 crore are required to appoint a High Performance Director to oversee these initiatives. The updated framework aims to balance the need for international expertise with the development of domestic coaching capabilities, ensuring a sustainable future for Indian sports.

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