National Sports Schemes and Policies
The development of sports in India relies on a structural framework managed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports alongside execution bodies like the Sports Authority of India. Since sports falls under the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, the Central Government plays a supportive and coordinating role by providing financial grants, high-performance infrastructure, and talent identification pipelines. India’s sports governance balances mass participation at the grassroots level with elite athlete development aimed at international podium finishes.
Institutional Governance and National Policy Framework
Constitutional and Administrative Structure
In the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, “Sports” is listed under Entry 33 of the State List. The Union Government intervenes through central sector schemes, financial assistance, and national guidelines to standardize athletic development across states.
Sports Authority of India
Established in 1984 following the success of the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, the Sports Authority of India serves as the premier executive body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It manages National Centres of Excellence, regional centres, and specialized training schemes across the country.
National Sports Policy
The National Sports Policy was first formulated in 1984 and later updated in 2001. It focuses on twin objectives: broad-basing of sports across rural and urban regions, and achieving excellence in international sports competitions.
Key Grassroots and Development Schemes
Khelo India Scheme
Launched in 2018, Khelo India serves as the national programme for sports development, merging former initiatives like the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme, and National Sports Talent Search Scheme. It provides annual financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh per year for 8 years to identified talented athletes. The scheme operates through structured competitive events, including the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Winter Games, and Khelo India Para Games.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Initiated in 2014 under the administrative umbrella of the Sports Authority of India, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme identifies and supports potential medal contenders for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Supervised by the Mission Olympic Cell, it provides customized foreign training, top-tier coaching, and a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of Rs 50,000 for Core Group athletes.
Fit India Movement
Inaugurated on August 29, 2019, on National Sports Day, the Fit India Movement functions as a mass outreach campaign to encourage physical activity and active lifestyles across schools, universities, and local communities.
National Sports Development Fund
Established in November 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890, the fund mobilizes financial resources from public sector undertakings, private corporate entities, and non-governmental sources to support elite sportspersons and build sports infrastructure.
Comparison of Core National Sports Initiatives
| Scheme Name | Launch Year | Primary Objective | Target Audience | Key Financial Benefit |
| Khelo India | 2018 | Grassroots talent identification and sports infrastructure | School and university youth | Rs 5 lakh per annum for 8 years to selected talents |
| Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) | 2014 | Elite athlete preparation for Olympic / Paralympic medals | Potential medal probables | Foreign training, coaching, Rs 50,000 monthly allowance |
| Assistance to National Sports Federations | Central Sector | Funding national coaching camps and international exposure | National teams and federations | Direct grants for equipment, camps, and foreign experts |
| National Sports Development Fund | 1998 | Resource mobilization from corporate and non-govt sectors | Elite athletes and specialized facilities | Project-specific financial support |
| Fit India Movement | 2019 | Mass participation and physical fitness awareness | General public and school students | Non-monetary awareness drives and fitness protocols |
Facts for Quick Revision
- Entry 33 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule places “Sports” under state jurisdiction.
- The Sports Authority of India was set up in 1984 in the aftermath of the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games.
- National Sports Day is celebrated annually on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey titan Major Dhyan Chand.
- The Target Olympic Podium Scheme is managed by the Mission Olympic Cell within the Sports Authority of India.
- Selected long-term athletes under the Khelo India scheme receive annual financial support of Rs 5 lakh for an 8-year period.
- The National Sports Development Fund was created in November 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890.
- The Fit India Movement was launched on National Sports Day in 2019 to promote physical fitness across all age groups.
- Khelo India merged three earlier schemes: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme, and National Sports Talent Search Scheme.
- The Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations funds national coaching camps, foreign coaches, and international exposure trips.
