India announces ₹7,386 crore sports funding scheme

The Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released revised operational guidelines for the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs). The government has approved a total outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore for the period spanning 2026-27 to 2030-31.

Key provisions of the revised scheme include increasing financial assistance for hosting international sporting events in India from ₹2 crore to a maximum of ₹50 crore. This funding is intended to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem as the nation prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and pursues a bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The allocation for hosting National Games has also been set at up to ₹50 crore to cover technical requirements, equipment, and officials.

Additionally, the scheme introduces the establishment of Olympic Training Centres (OTCs). These facilities will focus on individual sports and will be equipped with modern sports science infrastructure, specialized equipment, and expert personnel to reduce the reliance of Indian athletes on overseas training facilities. The guidelines also include support for promoting indigenous sports on an international level.