National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025

Syllabus: GS 2/Governance

In News

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025.

Historical Linkages: Timeline

• Sports in India have ancient roots, originating from survival skills like archery and wrestling that evolved into modern sports. 
• After independence in 1947, sports received limited focus due to national priorities like poverty and education, although India hosted the first Asian Games in 1951 and formed the All-India Council of Sports in 1954.
• Despite modest funding and policy inactivity for decades, India’s hockey team excelled internationally, and notable athletes emerged in athletics.
• The 1982 Asian Games sparked change, leading to the creation of a dedicated Department of Sports and India’s first National Sports Policy (NSP) in 1984, which aimed to improve infrastructure, mass participation, and elite performance. 
• The Sports Authority of India was established in 1986. However, slow economic growth and weak policy implementation limited its progress until liberalisation in 1991, which increased visibility for sports and raised public aspirations.
• A Draft NSP in 1997 proposed state-level broadbasing and national elite focus but was never adopted.
• Post-2000, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports was created, and a revised NSP was launched in 2001 with clearer goals. 
• Though India’s Olympic success was modest, key reforms like the 2011 National Sports Development Code sought to professionalize sports governance.
  • Programs like TOPS (2014), Khelo India (2017), and Fit India Movement (2019) helped promote athlete development and fitness.

National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025

• It replaced  the 2001 policy and it outlines a strategic vision to make India a global sporting powerhouse and a strong contender in international events, including the 2036 Olympics. 
• It is the outcome of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, domain experts, and public stakeholders. 
• It is anchored on five key pillars viz. Excellence on the Global Stage, Sports for Economic Development, Sports for Social Development, Sports as a People’s Movement and Integration with Education (NEP 2020).

Importance 

• National Sports Policy 2025 sets India on a transformative path toward becoming a leading sporting nation globally, while creating healthier, more engaged, and empowered citizens.
• It is a major initiative to transform India’s sports landscape and empower citizens through sports. 

Challenges 

• India’s sports ecosystem faced several challenges — limited budget allocations, poor governance, lack of scientific coaching, and insufficient grassroots engagement. 
• Sports being a State subject also led to fragmented efforts and inconsistent implementation.

Suggestions and Way Forward 

• India’s sporting future is promising, but it requires sustained action, unified efforts, and a cultural shift that treats sport not just as recreation, but as a serious national pursuit.
• Sustainable progress will require scientific coaching, physical literacy, education integration, and long-term commitment to truly build a sporting nation.

Source :TH