New Delhi: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued revised operational guidelines for the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), with a total outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The scheme is the government’s principal mechanism for supporting Indian athletes preparing for major international competitions, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympic Games and World Championships.
The revised guidelines introduce new provisions aimed at strengthening India’s sporting infrastructure and supporting preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the country’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Under the revised scheme, national sports federations can receive financial assistance of up to ₹50 crore for hosting international sporting events in India. Proposals will be assessed by a designated committee headed by the Secretary, Sports, based on factors including the event’s significance and the number of participating countries and athletes.
The scheme also provides for setting up Olympic Training Centres equipped with modern sports science facilities and specialised equipment. Dedicated to individual sports, the centres are intended to provide high-performance training and reduce Indian athletes’ reliance on overseas facilities. Support will cover coaches, technical staff, sports science services and specialised equipment.
Financial assistance of up to ₹50 crore has also been provided for organising the National Games, covering sports equipment, timing, scoring and results services, technical officials and other technical arrangements.
The revised scheme includes support for promoting indigenous sports internationally, including efforts to secure their inclusion as demonstration events at major competitions and establish national federations in other countries. Assistance may also be extended to international and continental federations of indigenous sports operating from India.
Another provision seeks to strengthen sports cooperation with countries in the Global South by facilitating access to Indian high-performance centres and training facilities through scholarships and subsidised use of infrastructure.
The guidelines also provide for financial support for sports competitions, conferences, meetings, research and workshops organised under multilateral platforms such as BRICS and BIMSTEC. Recognised international and continental sports bodies with offices in India may also receive case-specific assistance through national sports federations or the National Olympic Committee, subject to the prescribed approval process.
The scheme will continue to support national coaching camps, athlete accommodation, sports kits, insurance, sports science services, foreign coaches and high-performance directors, international training and competition exposure, national championships, grassroots development and administrative support to federations.
