National Sports Policy 2025
The National Sports Policy 2025, titled 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025,' has been approved by the Union cabinet and is presented as a transformative initiative for Indian sports. The policy aims to align national sports strategies with the aspirational goal of performing exceptionally at the 2036 Olympics.
Key Features and Intentions
- The policy offers states encouragement and suggestions to adapt their sports policies with a view toward future international competitions, particularly the Olympics.
- A notable aspect is the encouragement for Indian-origin athletes living abroad to return and represent India internationally. This aligns with the Nehruvian ideals of 'Peace & International Cooperation Activities through Sports'.
- The policy aims to enhance India's sporting bench strength by leveraging the diaspora, especially evident in sports like football.
Rationale and Implementation
- Since the exclusion of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders from Indian representation in 2008, India has missed out on potential talent, particularly in emerging sports.
- The evolution of training and coaching, not restricted by geographical boundaries, supports the inclusion of talented diaspora athletes.
- At club and league levels, identity has become more about club affiliation than nationality, as seen with IPL cricket and Premier League football, highlighting a shift towards talent globalization.
- The policy suggests that by tapping into the global diaspora, India can potentially catch a 'talent virus', enriching its domestic sports environment.
Overall, the National Sports Policy 2025 is poised to change Indian sports significantly through inclusive international cooperation and strategic talent acquisition.
