Task Force on Unified Framework for Development of Coaching Ecosystem in India Submits Report

**Executive Summary** The Task Force on Unified Framework for Development of Coaching Ecosystem in India, led by Shri Pullela Gopichand, submitted its report to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The report outlines a comprehensive national framework for the development, accreditation, and professionalization of sports coaches in India. The task force recommends actionable measures aimed at creating a robust, inclusive, and future-ready coaching ecosystem. **Key Points / Main Content** * **National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB):** * Establishment of the NCAB as the apex national body for coach education, accreditation, and governance. * The NCAB will set national standards, approve coaching pathways, accredit institutions, and ensure consistency, transparency, and quality across all sports and regions. * **Tiered National Coaching Pathway:** * Proposed Tiered National Coaching Pathway comprising Grassroots, Intermediate, Elite, and National Team Coach levels. * Level 0 serves as the universal entry stage. * The pathway will enable multiple entry routes for former athletes, physical education teachers, and sports science graduates. * Ensures merit-based progression linked to measurable outcomes and continuous professional development. * **Practice-First Coach Education Model:** * Adopts a Practice–Theory-Practice training philosophy. * Out of the total 1,800 hours of coach education, nearly 78 percent will focus on hands-on field experience, mentored internships, and supervised coaching practice. * The remaining component will cover sports science, psychology, ethics, safety, and performance analytics. * **TOPS for Coaches:** * Recommendation of a dedicated "TOPS for Coaches" model, inspired by the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). * High-potential and high-performing coaches will receive structured financial and institutional support for advanced training, technology adoption, international exposure, specialized support services, and innovation in coaching practices. * **National Sports Science Helpline:** * Launch of a 24/7 National Sports Science Helpline. * Staffed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts including sports scientists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists and performance analysts. * The helpline will provide real-time advisory support on injury prevention, nutrition, training load management, rehabilitation and performance analytics. * Access will be enabled through a toll-free number, mobile application and online portal. **Impact Analysis** **Sports Coaches:** * **Impact:** Coaches will benefit from a standardized national framework for education, accreditation, and professional development. They will also have access to financial and institutional support for advanced training, technology adoption, international exposure, and specialized support services through the "TOPS for Coaches" model. * **Action Required:** Coaches should familiarize themselves with the new National Coaching Pathway and accreditation requirements set by the NCAB. **Sports Institutions/Organizations:** * **Impact:** Institutions involved in coach education will need to align their programs with the standards and pathways established by the NCAB. * **Action Required:** Institutions should prepare to seek accreditation from the NCAB. **Athletes:** * **Impact:** Athletes are expected to benefit from the improved quality of coaching resulting from the implementation of the new framework. * **Action Required:** No direct action required. **Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S):** * **Impact:** MoYA&S will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the framework and the establishment of the NCAB. * **Action Required:** MoYA&S needs to establish the NCAB and monitor its operations, as well as manage the implementation of the National Sports Science Helpline.

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