Ministry of Sports revises funding rules for federations and mandates pre-selection policy

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya NEW DELHI: National sports federations (NSFs) will have to publish guidelines for the selection of athletes and coaches well in advance of major international competitions, while those aspiring to host international events in India will be eligible for financial assistance under the sports ministry’s revised guidelines aimed at strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem. The assistance scheme is valid for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 (16th Finance Commission cycle) with a total outlay of Rs 7,386.74 crore.Under the revised National Sports Federations (NSF) Assistance Scheme, selection policies must be announced at least one year before continental or world championships and at least two years before multi-sport events involving quota or qualification systems.The directive also provides for financial assistance to federations organizing international tournaments in India, the amount being determined by the scale and importance of the event, India’s performance in the sport and the level of international participation.India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and has also expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics. In addition, India has also submitted a formal Expression of Interest (EoI) to the Olympic Council of Asia to host the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.The changes form part of a wider framework involving athlete training, local development, coaching, sports science and the administration of national federations.

International event selection and hosting policies

The requirement to publish selection policies in advance aims to create a clear and transparent framework for the selection of athletes and coaches for international competitions. It comes in the wake of controversies surrounding the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Asian Para Games squads.The guidelines call on federations to ensure that their selection processes are fair and publicly communicated within set deadlines.The provision is of particular importance for multi-sport events, where athletes must navigate qualification systems and quota allocations.For holding international events, the guidelines allow assistance for eligible tournaments held in India. Prescribed ceilings vary by category and scale of competition, with some World Championships in Olympic sports eligible for assistance of up to Rs 50 lakh.Proposals will be assessed by a designated committee, which will recommend assistance based on the requirements of the event and applicable conditions.The framework is intended to strengthen India’s ability to host prestigious international competitions and provide greater opportunities for domestic athletes to compete at home.

Greater emphasis on local development

The guidelines require national sports federations to allocate at least 20% of their annual budget as part of the program to local development through affiliates. They also call for structured junior development programs and measures to prevent early specialization, age fraud and retraining.Federations are expected to identify promising senior and junior athletes and strengthen their development pathways through coaching, specialist equipment and sports science support.

Olympic training centers and coaching support

The ministry also outlined plans for Olympic training sports centers equipped with modern facilities, specialized equipment and sports science services. The centers are to reduce the dependence of Indian athletes on overseas training facilities.Federations can engage foreign coaches and high-performance specialists within the prescribed financial framework. At least five Indian coaches are expected to stay with a foreign coach during their coaching sessions to develop domestic expertise and reduce long-term dependence on overseas coaches.Performance bonuses for foreign coaches may be limited to 20% of their annual salary.

Medical support and financial supervision

The guidelines require federations to implement sport-specific protocols for injury management and return to training. Proposals from federations that have not defined these protocols will not be considered for funding. Athletes are also required to undergo a quarterly assessment regarding health, fitness, biomechanics and other relevant parameters.In terms of expenditure, the scheme allows up to 10% of the funds provided to be allocated to administrative manpower and support. A separate provision allows spending up to 2.5% of the annual program budget for specific administrative and legal expenses, including activities related to administration and management and the involvement of specialized experts or trainees.The guidelines also require federations to follow prescribed financial procedures for the procurement of equipment and to submit utilization certificates verified by the Chartered Accountant and Auditor General.

Support of indigenous sports and international cooperation

The revised framework provides assistance in promoting indigenous and traditional sports internationally, including through competitions, international recognition and the establishment of federations in other countries.It also envisages working with countries in the Global South by facilitating training opportunities for athletes and coaches at India’s high performance centres.Together, the measures seek to strengthen the governance of national federations, improve athlete training and expand India’s presence in international sports. Their impact will depend on implementation, including compliance with selection policy deadlines, delivery of planned training infrastructure and effective use of public funds.