Why in news?
The Union Cabinet approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, replacing the 2001 policy. The new policy aims to transform India into a global sporting power and to prepare for events such as the 2036 Olympics.
Key objectives
- Excellence on the global stage: Early talent identification, grassroots‑to‑elite training pathways and use of sports science and technology (e.g., AI‑based performance analytics) to develop medal‑winning athletes.
- Sports for economic development: Promote sports tourism, stimulate local sports manufacturing and encourage sports start‑ups through public–private partnerships and corporate social responsibility funding.
- Sports for social inclusion: Increase participation among women, tribal communities and persons with disabilities; revive traditional games such as Mallakhamb and Kho‑Kho.
- Sports as a people’s movement: Launch national fitness campaigns and indices to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles across all age groups.
- Integration with education: Align sports with the National Education Policy 2020 by recruiting trained physical‑education instructors, creating dual‑career pathways for athletes and embedding sports in school curricula.
Implementation & significance
- Whole‑of‑government approach: The policy envisions coordination between central and state governments, sports federations and industry, with a robust monitoring framework.
- Economic and health benefits: Investment in sports can create jobs, boost tourism, enhance national pride and improve public health.
- Preparing for the Olympics: The policy forms part of India’s strategy to bid for and excel in major international events, notably the 2036 Olympics.
By treating sports as both an engine of growth and a tool for social inclusion, the NSP 2025 seeks to unlock India’s athletic potential while fostering economic and health gains.
