Parliament Question: Strengthening sports coaching ecosystem

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS) RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 794 # ANSWERED ON- 05/02/2026 STRENGTHENING SPORTS COACHING ECOSYSTEM 794 #. SMT. MAYA NAROLIYA SHRI SUBHASH BARALA SMT. REKHA SHARMA DR. SIKANDER KUMAR SHRI SHAMBHU SHARAN PATEL SHRI MADAN RATHORE SMT. DARSHANA SINGH Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state :- (a) the key recommendations of the Task Force on Unified Framework for Development of Coaching Ecosystem in India, submitted to the Ministry to strengthen coach education and accreditation; (b) the proposal for establishment of a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) and its envisaged role in setting national standards; (c) the measures to implement a tiered national coaching pathway across grassroots to elite levels; and (d) the expected timeframe for rolling out these recommendations to professionalise sports coaching in the country? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA) (a) The Task Force on Unified Framework for Development of Coaching Ecosystem in India, in its report submitted to the Ministry has recommended creation of a unified national framework for coach education and accreditation, standardisation of coaching curricula, introduction of a tiered national coaching pathway from grassroots to elite level, adoption of a practice-oriented training model, mandatory licensing and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for coaches, integration of coaching qualifications with National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, performance-based evaluation mechanisms, incentive structures for coaches, and strengthening of ethics, safety and inclusivity in coaching. (b) The Task Force has recommended to establish a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) as an apex authority responsible for to set national standards for coach education and accreditation, approve and monitor coaching pathways, accredit coach education institutions, design a unified core curriculum across sports, oversee licensing and renewal of coaches, and ensure quality assurance and alignment with NSQF and NEP 2020. Page 1 of 2(c) The Task Force has recommended the implementation of a structured, tiered national coaching pathway covering Grassroots, Intermediate, Elite and National Team coaches. The pathway also integrates community coaches and Physical Education (PE) teachers as feeder streams. Measures proposed include clearly defined entry and progression criteria at each level; a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism to facilitate transition of former elite athletes into coaching; bridge programmes to enable PE teachers to upskill without disrupting school responsibilities; and a five- star performance rating system linked to athlete development outcomes, advanced certifications and mentorship, which would provide access to higher-level assignments and incentives. (d) Implementation of the Task Force recommendations is in a phased manner. Initial steps such as establishment of NCAB and finalisation of the unified curriculum are envisaged in the short term, followed by roll-out of licensing and tiered pathways. ***** Page 2 of 2