Parliament Question: National Sports Policy 2025

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 2399 ANSWERED ON - 12/03/2026 NATIONAL SPORTS POLICY 2025 2399. SHRI SANJAY SETH: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) the ways in which grassroot sports infrastructure under National Sports Policy 2025 is being aligned with rural and urban youth engagement strategies; (b) the provisions made to ensure athlete welfare and sports science access for underprivileged talent; (c) the mechanisms proposed to enforce transparency in National Sports Federations, especially with respect to financial and selection processes; and (d) the roadmap for attracting and hosting international sports events to boost employment and tourism? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA) (a): The Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025 includes provisions aimed at strengthening grassroot sports infrastructure across urban and rural areas, with a focus on widening access to sporting opportunities. The policy addresses the rural-urban gap by proposing improved access to basic training facilities, dedicated sports infrastructure and competition platforms for athletes from diverse sections of society. It highlights the integration of sports with school education, encourages community participation and promotes collaboration among multiple stakeholders to broaden outreach and reduce barriers to participation. In addition, the policy emphasizes strengthening the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of sports infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Page 1 of 2(b) and (c): ‘Sports’ being a State subject, the responsibility for promotion and development of sports rests primarily with the respective State/Union Territory (UT) Governments. However, the Union Government supplements their efforts through its various schemes/programme. The Policy provides for a holistic athlete welfare framework, including supporting talented athletes from underrepresented population group. Measures include structured talent identification pathways, scholarships, residential training facilities, and financial assistance for equipment, travel, and participation in competitions. Further, the policy promotes sports science, sports psychology, sports medicine, and technology as integral components of India’s sports development strategy. Additionally, it proposes strengthening the National Sports Federations (NSFs) by enhancing operational efficiency, promoting professional management, and ensuring transparency and financial sustainability. (d): The Policy promotes positioning India as a preferred destination for international sporting events by upgrading sports infrastructure to international standards, strengthening event management capacity to global standards and related employment opportunities through coordinated efforts of various stakeholders. ***** Page 2 of 2