India Boosts Sports Funding to ₹50 Crore

India's Sports Ministry has dramatically enhanced financial support for National Sports Federations (NSFs), increasing assistance for hosting international tournaments from ₹2 crore to up to ₹50 crore. This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster India's sporting ecosystem, particularly in the lead-up to the 2030 Commonwealth Games and its bid for the 2036 Olympics.

The revised operational guidelines, approved until 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore, also provide up to ₹50 crore for organizing National Games. This funding encompasses crucial elements like sports equipment, timing services, and technical support. The scheme extends to supporting athletes preparing for major events such as the Olympics and World Championships, covering coaching, training, and sports science services.

A significant addition is the planned establishment of Olympic Training Centres (OTCs) nationwide, offering specialized facilities and expert personnel for elite athletes. The guidelines emphasize grassroots development, requiring NSFs to allocate at least 20% of their budget to such initiatives. Furthermore, a minimum of 10% of funding is earmarked for coach development, with mandates for High Performance Directors and grooming Indian coaches alongside foreign experts.

This enhanced framework aims to strengthen India's capacity to host global events and improve athlete performance. It also seeks to promote indigenous sports by supporting their inclusion in international competitions and fostering sporting cooperation with Global South countries through scholarships and training access. Federations must now align detailed plans with a four-year Olympic cycle, improving accountability and data tracking.