Sports Ministry revises NSF assistance scheme with Rs.7,386.74-crore outlay

The Sports Ministry has issued revised guidelines for assistance to National Sports Federations, backed by a ₹7,386.74-crore outlay through 2030-31. The scheme expands support for international events, National Games, Olympic Training Centres, indigenous sports and global cooperation

Hyderabad: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued operational guidelines for the revised Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), incorporating updated norms for various components following the government’s approval to continue the scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31, covering the 16th Finance Commission cycle, with a total outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore.

The scheme is the principal mechanism for supporting Indian athletes in preparing for major international events such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympic Games and World Championships.

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It provides support for national coaching camps; training at academies; athlete-related expenses, including boarding, lodging, sports kits, insurance and sports science services; engagement of foreign coaches, High Performance Directors and support personnel such as physiotherapists, sports scientists and doctors; overseas training and participation in international competitions; senior, junior and sub-junior national championships; grassroots and junior athlete development; and administrative and governance support for NSFs.

The revised scheme includes several new strategic components aligned with India’s long-term sporting vision and preparations for the 2036 Olympic bid and the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Enhanced assistance for hosting international sporting events

Under the revised scheme, financial assistance for hosting international tournaments in India has been substantially increased. NSFs can now receive assistance of up to ₹50 crore to host an international event, depending on its nature and importance, as well as the number of participating countries and athletes. Proposals will be assessed by a designated committee headed by the Secretary (Sports).

Training at Olympic Training Centres

Currently, athletes preparing for major international sporting events, including the Olympics, train at National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), academies, private sports facilities and overseas training centres.

To provide specialised, high-standard training, Olympic Training Centres (OTCs) equipped with the latest sports science equipment are planned. Each centre will be dedicated to a single sport and have modern training facilities and expert personnel, reducing Indian athletes’ reliance on overseas training.

Elite Indian athletes training at these centres will receive support for coaches and technical staff, sports science services, specialised equipment and technical assistance.

Support for National Games

Recognising the importance of the National Games and the need to organise them on an appropriate scale, the revised scheme provides assistance of up to ₹50 crore for conducting the event. The assistance will cover sports equipment, Timing, Scoring and Results (TSR) services, remuneration for technical officials and technical operations.

Support for indigenous sports seeking global recognition

To expand the international reach of indigenous sports, the revised scheme includes assistance for NSFs representing these disciplines. The support will help federations pursue the inclusion of indigenous sports as demonstration events at global competitions such as the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

It will also support the establishment of national federations in other countries and provide assistance to international and continental federations of indigenous sports that have their offices in India.

International sports cooperation with Global South countries

India has high-performance centres and training facilities at both Sports Authority of India (SAI) and non-SAI centres. These facilities could position the country as a leading partner for nations in the Global South by facilitating athlete and coach training through scholarships and subsidised access to facilities.

The revised scheme includes provisions for financial assistance towards such international cooperation initiatives.

Support for sports events organised by multilateral bodies

The revised scheme provides financial assistance for organising sports competitions, sports-related conferences, meetings, research projects and workshops for multilateral bodies such as BRICS and BIMSTEC, as well as other similar organisations.

Support for recognised international and continental sports bodies in India

The revised scheme also provides for funding to NSFs or the National Olympic Committee (NOC) to support recognised international and continental sports bodies operating in India. Assistance will be extended on a case-by-case basis, based on recommendations from a designated committee headed by the Secretary (Sports).