SportsPolicy
Sports ministry sets aside ₹7,386.74 crore for federations, with up to ₹50 crore per global event
Revised guidelines for the scheme that funds national sports federations run to 2030-31 and add money for single-sport Olympic training centres, the National Games and India's push to take indigenous sports abroad.
Key points
- The revised Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations has an outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Federations can get up to ₹50 crore to host an international event, and the same ceiling applies to the National Games.
- The ministry plans single-sport Olympic Training Centres to cut reliance on training abroad.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued revised guidelines for its main funding scheme for national sports federations, with a total outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore for the five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations, which the government has approved for the 16th Finance Commission cycle, pays for much of what federations do, from athletes’ boarding, lodging, kit and insurance to sports science support. The new guidelines widen what it can be used for.
Money for big events
Federations bidding to host international competitions can now receive up to ₹50 crore per event. The amount will depend on the importance of the event and the number of countries and athletes taking part, and proposals will be assessed by a committee headed by the Secretary (Sports).
The same ceiling of ₹50 crore applies to the National Games, covering sports equipment, timing, scoring and results services, technical operations and the fees of technical officials.
Training at home
The ministry also plans Olympic Training Centres, each dedicated to a single sport, with sports science equipment and specialist staff. The aim is to reduce elite athletes’ reliance on training overseas. Athletes at these centres would get support for coaches and technical staff, specialised equipment and sports science services.
Beyond India’s borders
Several new strands look outward. The scheme will help indigenous sports seek demonstration-event status at major international competitions, set up federations abroad, and support international federations of indigenous sports that are based in India. It will also fund scholarships and subsidised access to Indian facilities for athletes and coaches from Global South partner countries, and events, conferences and research run by groups such as BRICS and BIMSTEC.
International and continental sports bodies recognised in India can be funded case by case, through federations or the national Olympic committee, on the recommendation of the Secretary-led committee.