Sports Ministry Issues Operational Guidelines For Revised NSF Assistance Scheme To Boost Athlete Preparation, Hosting Of Global Sports Events
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued operational guidelines for the revised Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), incorporating enhanced financial assistance and new strategic components to strengthen athlete preparation, improve sports infrastructure, and expand India’s global sporting presence.
The Government has approved the continuation of the Scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31, covering the 16th Finance Commission cycle, with a total outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore, stated a press release by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
The Scheme is the principal mechanism for supporting Indian athletes in preparing for major international sporting events, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympic Games and World Championships. The revised framework introduces targeted interventions aligned with India’s long-term sporting vision, including preparations for the 2036 Olympic bid and the Commonwealth Games 2030.
Comprehensive Support for Athletes and National Sports Federations
The Scheme provides assistance for national coaching camps, training at academies and athlete-related expenses, including boarding, lodging, sports kits, insurance and sports science services. It also supports the engagement of foreign coaches, High Performance Directors and support personnel such as physiotherapists, sports scientists and doctors; overseas training and international competitions; Senior, Junior and Sub-Junior National Championships; grassroots and junior athlete development; and the administrative and governance requirements of NSFs.
Key Features of the Revised Scheme
Enhanced Assistance of Up to ₹50 Crore for International Sports Events
Financial assistance for hosting international sporting events in India has been substantially enhanced, with NSFs eligible for support of up to ₹50 crore per event. The assistance will depend on the event’s nature and significance, as well as the number of participating countries and athletes. Proposals will be assessed by a designated committee headed by the Secretary (Sports).
Dedicated Olympic Training Centres for Elite Athletes
The revised Scheme provides for the establishment of dedicated, sport-specific Olympic Training Centres (OTCs) equipped with modern training facilities, the latest sports science equipment and specialised expertise to provide high-standard training to elite Indian athletes preparing for major international events, including the Olympics. Currently, athletes train at National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), academies, private sports facilities and overseas centres. The proposed OTCs aim to reduce reliance on overseas training by providing world-class facilities in India. Support will cover coaches and technical staff, sports science services, specialised equipment and technical support.
Assistance of up to ₹50 Crore for the National Games
To strengthen the organisation of the National Games and ensure that they are conducted on an appropriate scale, the Scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹50 crore. The support will cover sports equipment, Timing, Scoring and Result (TSR) services, remuneration for technical officials and other technical aspects of conducting the Games.
Global Promotion of Indigenous Sports
A new component will support NSFs governing indigenous sports in expanding their international presence. Assistance will facilitate efforts to secure the inclusion of indigenous games as demonstration events at global competitions such as the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games; establish national federations in other countries; and support international and continental federations of indigenous sports that have their offices in India.
International Sports Cooperation with Global South Countries
The Scheme seeks to strengthen India’s role as a sports training partner for countries of the Global South. Financial assistance will facilitate training opportunities for foreign athletes and coaches at high-performance centres and training facilities operated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and other institutions, including through scholarships and subsidised access to facilities.
Sports Competitions and Cooperation under BRICS, BIMSTEC and Other Multilateral Forums
The revised Scheme provides financial assistance for sports competitions, sports-related conferences and meetings, research activities and workshops organised under multilateral platforms such as BRICS and BIMSTEC, as well as other similar bodies. The provision aims to promote international sporting cooperation and engagement through multilateral forums.
Support for Recognised International and Continental Sports Bodies in India
The Scheme includes a provision to support recognised international and continental sports bodies having offices in India. Assistance may be extended through NSFs or the National Olympic Committee (NOC) on a case-by-case basis, based on recommendations of a designated committee headed by the Secretary (Sports).
