“A look at India’s sports policy journey”, Pg10

Context: 

• India’s journey in sports policy reflects its socio-economic evolution — from post-independence neglect to recent efforts at mainstreaming sports as a national priority, including aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics.

Key Highlights:

• Sports were historically linked to survival skills like wrestling, swimming, and archery.
• Post-1947, India focused on nation-building, sidelining sports in policy and budget.
• The first National Sports Policy (NSP) came in 1984 after the 1982 Asian Games.
• The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established in 1986.
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) was formed in 2000.
• Key policies post-2000 include NSP 2001, National Sports Development Code (NSDC) in 2011, TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme 2014), Khelo India 2017, and Fit India 2019.
• India declared intent to host the 2036 Olympics; NSP 2025 ("Khelo Bharat Niti") has been launched to support this.

Detailed Insights:

1. Pre-1980s: A Period of Neglect

• Sports were a low priority due to focus on poverty and education.
• Creation of All-India Council of Sports (AICS) in 1954 provided limited support to athletes.
• Despite poor infrastructure, India’s men’s hockey team dominated till 1980.

2. 1982–2000: First Wave of Institutionalisation

• 1982 Asian Games catalysed creation of a Department of Sports.
• NSP 1984 focused on infrastructure and elite performance.
• NEP 1986 integrated sports into education.
• Lack of private and societal involvement; sports remained a State subject, leading to uneven development.
• Draft NSP 1997 acknowledged the need for central-state division of responsibility but was never formalised.

3. Post-2000: Reform and Aspirations

• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) established (2000); NSP 2001 aimed at broadbasing and excellence.
• NSDC 2011 targeted governance, doping, and gender parity in sports federations.
• Olympic performance improved modestly: Rathore (2004), Bindra (2008), Vijender and Mary Kom (2008–12).
• Schemes like TOPS and Khelo India bolstered elite training and talent scouting.
• Fit India Movement (2019) promoted physical literacy and health awareness.

Critical Issues Raised:

• Weak policy continuity and poor implementation remain persistent challenges.
• Sports governance marred by bureaucracy, age fraud, and doping.
• India among top in WADA’s global doping list, raising serious credibility concerns.
• National Sports Federations (NSFs) lack professionalism despite regulatory codes like NSDC.
• Public-private partnerships and grassroots investments are still insufficient.

Way Forward

• Operationalise NSP 2025 with accountability and performance audits.
• Fast-track the National Sports Governance Bill and Good Governance Code (2017).
• Expand scientific coaching and integrate sports deeply into the NEP 2020 framework.
• Develop sustainable sports infrastructure, not just for events, but for public use.
• Combat doping with stricter anti-doping education, testing, and enforcement.
• Build a culture of sports excellence through community engagement and school-level investment.

Key Concepts Involved: 

• Scientific Coaching: Involves biomechanics, nutrition, sports psychology, and injury prevention.
• Physical Literacy: Foundational movement skills developed from early education stages.
• Targeted Schemes (e.g. TOPS): Resource optimization for medal prospects using data and analytics.
• Digital Sports Infrastructure: Use of portals, tracking, and analysis tools in scouting and performance.