The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025 on July 1, 2025. This significant move aims to transform India’s sports sector. It replaces the National Sports Policy of 2001. The new policy outlines a clear path for India to become a global sporting power. It also targets excellence in international events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
National Sports Policy 2025
The NSP 2025 is a result of extensive discussions. These involved Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, and sports experts. The policy rests on five core pillars:
- Excellence on the Global Stage: This pillar focuses on strengthening sports from grassroots to elite levels. It includes identifying and nurturing talent early. It also promotes competitive leagues and develops sports infrastructure. Training, coaching, and athlete support systems will see world-class improvements. Sports science, medicine, and technology will be adopted.
- Sports for Economic Development: The policy recognizes sports as an economic driver. It promotes sports tourism and aims to attract major international events. It also seeks to strengthen the sports manufacturing industry. The policy encourages startups and private sector participation through PPPs and CSR.
- Sports for Social Development: This pillar highlights sports’ role in social inclusion. It promotes participation among women, weaker sections, tribal communities, and persons with disabilities. It also aims to revitalize traditional games. Sports will become a viable career option, integrated with education.
- Sports as a People’s Movement: This section aims to make sports a national movement. It drives mass participation through nationwide campaigns. It also introduces fitness indices for schools and workplaces. Universal access to sports facilities is a key goal.
- Integration with Education (NEP 2020): Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the NSP 2025 integrates sports into school curricula. It will also train educators and physical education teachers.
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