India’s Sports Boost: New NSF Scheme Unveiled
India has revised its Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) to provide stronger support to athletes, coaches, and grassroots development. The move follows the Paris Olympics 2024 and marks a bold step in preparing for the next Olympic cycle.
Stronger Support, Higher Budgets
Under the updated scheme, financial assistance for training and participation in international events has been significantly increased. The aim is to ensure world-class preparation for Indian athletes.
Inflation and rising costs had made previous provisions outdated. The revised norms now reflect today’s realities, ensuring funds cover training, infrastructure, equipment, and athlete welfare.
Here’s what’s new in the financial structure:
- Chief National Coach salary raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh/month.
- Other coaches’ salaries increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh/month.
- Diet charges per day: ₹1,000 for senior athletes and ₹850 for junior athletes.
- ₹10,000 monthly dietary allowance for athletes during non-camp days.
- Funding for national championships: ₹90 lakh (High-Priority sports), ₹75 lakh (Priority sports).
- Assistance for hosting international events in India doubled to ₹2 crore.
Source: PIB Delhi, July 2025
Grassroots Development at the Core
One of the most impactful changes is the mandatory allocation of funds for grassroots growth. Now, at least 20% of an NSF’s budget must be used to nurture young talent through affiliate units across India.
This strategic investment will help identify and groom athletes early, building a robust talent pipeline for future Olympic participation.
Focus on Coaching and Technical Excellence
India’s path to sports excellence also lies in coaching. At least 10% of all NSF funding will now go towards training coaches and technical staff.
Moreover, each NSF must appoint a Coaching Education Expert. Their job? To build the next generation of trainers. Foreign coaches will also be required to mentor local staff during non-training periods.
For NSFs with a budget above ₹10 crore, hiring a High-Performance Director (HPD) is now mandatory. The HPD will oversee technical development, ensuring sports science and modern training methods are fully utilized.
Khelo India Women’s League: An Inclusive Push
The revised NSF scheme aligns closely with the Khelo India Women’s League, already active in 29 sports disciplines nationwide. This initiative empowers women athletes and promotes inclusivity.
It’s not just about medals. It’s about changing mindsets and creating opportunities—especially for young girls in rural India. These leagues are playing a vital role in that transformation.
Leagues Across Sports: Promoting Talent and Investment
Multiple NSFs and private bodies have launched leagues in Cricket, Football, Rugby, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, and Basketball. These tournaments serve a dual purpose.
They scout raw talent from across regions. At the same time, they attract private sponsors and increase community engagement.
Such partnerships between the government and private sector will be critical in India’s long-term plan to become a global sporting powerhouse.
Vision 2036: India’s Olympic Dream
This revised scheme is more than a policy update. It’s a roadmap to India’s ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics.
With strategic investments in grassroots sports, better coaching, and enhanced athlete welfare, India is positioning itself as a serious contender on the global stage—both in terms of winning medals and hosting mega events.
Why This Matters
The changes in the NSF Scheme aren’t just about money. They reflect a mindset shift.
By focusing on grassroots, empowering women, and strengthening coaching, the government is building a sustainable ecosystem. One that supports athletes from village playgrounds to the Olympic podium.
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Sports
The revised Scheme of Assistance to NSFs is timely, visionary, and necessary. It answers the demands of modern sports preparation and puts Indian athletes on a stronger footing globally.
With proper execution, this could be the start of a golden era in Indian sports.