India’s Sports Ministry has unveiled new funding rules, earmarking ₹7,386.74 crore to back national federations and host events— a sharp lift designed to tighten the country’s sports ecosystem.
The overhaul, announced by Sports Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, tightens selection protocols: federations must publish athlete and coach policies at least a year before continental or world championships and two years before multi‑sport events. The aim? Cut the ambiguity that plagued last year’s Commonwealth squad announcements.
A key slice of the package is for hosting assistance. Federations seeking to stage international tournaments in India can now tap funds scaled to the event’s scope, Indian performance, and global participation levels. A world championship in an Olympic sport could receive up to ₹50 crore, a figure that could bankroll everything from venue upgrades to travel logistics.
Grassroots get a boost too. The guidelines demand that 20% of each federation’s annual budget under the scheme be earmarked for junior development, anti‑specialisation programs, and age‑fraud checks. Coaches can bring in foreign specialists, but at least five Indian coaches must stay on the assignment to build domestic expertise.
Medical and administrative protocols are now mandatory. Federations must outline injury‑management plans, quarterly fitness assessments, and a clear procurement chain vetted by a chartered accountant. Up to 10% of the funding can go to administrative manpower, with a separate 2.5% earmarked for governance expenses.
With the 2030 Commonwealth Games slated for Ahmedabad and a keen eye on 2036 Olympics and 2038 Asian Games, this policy overhaul gives India a stronger, more transparent foundation to host marquee events and nurture homegrown talent.
Next up: federations will submit their revised selection policies and hosting bids to the new committee by early September, setting the stage for a smoother run‑up to the 2030 Games.