National Sports Policy 2025 Approved

Superseding NSP 2001

National Sports Policy 2025 Approved: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, replacing the two-decade-old NSP 2001. This transformative policy aims to harness the power of sports for the nation’s holistic development and places India on a trajectory to become a global sporting force.

Static GK fact: India’s first National Sports Policy was launched in 1984, focusing on infrastructure and coaching.

Five Core Pillars of Khelo Bharat Niti

The NSP 2025 is structured around five strategic pillars, known collectively as the Khelo Bharat Niti.

Excellence on the Global Stage

The policy envisions India’s emergence as a sporting powerhouse. It aims to develop talent from grassroots to elite levels, strengthen the National Sports Federations (NSFs), and reform coaching and training ecosystems.

Static GK fact: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established in 1984 to support such elite-level programs.

Sports-Driven Economic Development

The policy encourages sports tourism, startups, and entrepreneurship in the sports ecosystem. With proper investment, India aims to tap into the multi-billion dollar global sports economy.

Social Development through Sports

Emphasis is placed on inclusion—particularly the participation of women, divyangjans, and weaker sections of society. Sports are framed as a tool for social harmony and empowerment.

Static GK Tip: Khelo India Scheme, launched in 2017, aims to promote grassroots sports and youth participation.

Sports as a People’s Movement

The NSP envisions mass participation through a culture of fitness and universal access to sports infrastructure. Campaigns like the Fit India Movement (2019) will be intensified.

Integration with NEP 2020

The policy integrates sports with education by including it in school curricula, and offering specialised teacher training and sports psychology at the school level.

Strategic Implementation Framework

A robust framework will support NSP’s execution:

• Governance: Introduction of a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework
• Funding: Use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Technology: Adoption of AI, data analytics, and a National Monitoring Framework

Significance of the Policy

The NSP 2025 aligns with Viksit Bharat by capitalising on India’s demographic dividend. It enhances soft power and prepares India for Olympic leadership, especially the bid for 2036 Olympic Games.

Static GK fact: Sports is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, but is guided by MYAS at the central level.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

National Sports Policy 2025 Approved: