National Sports Policy 2025, Features, Cabinet Approval, Khelo Bharat Niti

National Sports Policy 2025, approved by the Cabinet, aims to make India a global sports leader. Know features, Khelo Bharat Niti & education-sports integration.

PWOnlyIAS

July 03, 2025

National Sports Policy 2025, Features, Cabinet Approval, Khelo Bharat Niti

National Sports Policy 2025 marks a paradigm shift in India’s sports ecosystem. Approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this landmark policy replaces the National Sports Policy of 2001 and sets a strong strategic direction for transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse. 

With the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 as its foundation, this policy is built upon the vision of “Sports for Nation Building” and aims to integrate sports into every aspect of national life, from grassroots participation to international excellence.

Also Read: List Of International National Days 2025 Month-Wise List

New National Sports Policy in India

The National Sports Policy 2025 is India’s renewed commitment to empowering its citizens through sports. Envisioned as a catalyst for holistic development, it integrates sports with economic growth, social transformation, and national pride. 

The National Sports Policy 2025 is designed to transform India’s sports ecosystem across five foundational pillars:

  1. Excellence on the Global Stage
  2. Sports for Economic Development
  3. Sports for Social Development
  4. Sports as a People’s Movement
  5. Integration with Education (NEP 2020)
Also Read: Indian Sports Governance: Challenges And Solutions

The policy was developed after wide-ranging consultations with Central Ministries, State Governments, NITI Aayog, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, and experts, aiming to prepare India to host and excel at events like the 2036 Olympic Games.

New National Sports Policy in India Overview

Component

Details

Policy Name National Sports Policy 2025 (Also referred to as Khelo Bharat Niti 2025)
Approved By Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Supersedes National Sports Policy 2001
Vision Statement “Sports for Nation Building – Harness the Power of Sports for Nation’s Holistic Development”
Key Objectives Excellence in sports, economic and social development through sports, universal access, integration with education
Target Outcomes Olympic 2036 preparation, inclusive participation, career development, improved governance, innovation in sports
Key Features Athlete-centric ecosystem, grassroots to elite pathways, indigenous sports promotion, sports infrastructure, sports science integration
Major Schemes Linked Khelo India Scheme, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Fit India Movement
Implementation Partners Central Ministries, State Governments, National Sports Federations (NSFs), Educational Institutions, Private Sector
Monitoring Mechanism National KPIs, Performance Benchmarks, Governance Framework, Model Policy for States
Economic Initiatives Sports tourism, manufacturing, sports startups, PPP models, and CSR-based funding schemes like “Adopt an Athlete”
Social Inclusion Initiatives Programs for women, tribal and economically weaker communities, para-sports excellence, and diaspora engagement
Alignment with NEP 2020 Sports integrated into the curriculum, trained physical education teachers, and school fitness indices
Long-Term Goal Make India a global sporting leader and create a fit, active, inclusive and competitive sporting society

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Key Features of the National Sports Policy 2025

The National Sports Policy 2025 features a multi-dimensional approach structured around five key pillars:

1. Excellence on the Global Stage

  • Aims to identify and nurture talent from the grassroots to the Olympic level.
  • Enhances training, coaching, and support infrastructure.
  • Establishes national and state-level leagues to build a competitive sports culture.
  • Promotes the use of sports science, medicine, and technology.

2. Sports for Economic Development

  • Encourages sports entrepreneurship, startups, and manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
  • Focuses on hosting international events to boost sports tourism.
  • Develops Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and CSR-driven investments in sports.

3. Sports for Social Development

  • Promotes inclusivity for women, tribal communities, and differently-abled athletes.
  • Revives indigenous and traditional games.
  • Establishes dual-career pathways and sports as a viable career.

4. Sports as a People’s Movement

  • Launches nationwide campaigns to promote fitness and mass participation.
  • Introduces school and workplace fitness indices.
  • Promotes Fit India Movement and community-based events.

5. Integration with Education (NEP 2020)

  • Embeds sports into school curricula and education policy.
  • Trains educators in sports literacy and development.
  • Facilitates school and college competitions and physical literacy programs.

Khelo Bharat Niti 2025

The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 acts as the backbone of the National Sports Policy 2025, focusing on creating a sustainable and inclusive sports culture. This initiative aligns with the broader Viksit Bharat vision, aiming to harness India’s demographic advantage by empowering the youth through sports.

Key objectives include

  • Establishing structured sports programs from the block to elite levels.
  • Promoting indigenous sports and organising leagues and competitions.
  • Enhancing sports infrastructure from rural to urban areas.
  • Leveraging sports science, medicine, and technology.
  • Launching outreach programs to raise awareness and community engagement.

Strategic Framework for Implementation

The National Sports Policy 2025 provides a detailed framework for effective implementation:

Governance and Monitoring

  • Introduction of national-level regulatory bodies for transparency and accountability.
  • Legal frameworks for doping control and athlete safety.

Private Sector Engagement

  • Innovative models like “Adopt an Athlete”, “One Corporate-One Sport” to encourage funding.
  • Emphasis on measurable Return on Investment (ROI) for private stakeholders.

Technology & Innovation

  • Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and digital platforms for performance tracking and policy monitoring.
  • Establishment of a Sports Innovation Task Force and research grants to drive innovation.

Model for States and UTs

  • NSP 2025 will act as a guiding framework for States/UTs to design aligned policies tailored to regional needs.

Whole-of-Government Approach

  • Sports promotion to be integrated into the plans and schemes of all Ministries and Departments.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

Sports and Economic Development

The National Sports Policy 2025 acknowledges sports as a significant contributor to economic growth. Strategies include:

  • Promoting Sports Tourism: Hosting international events to generate revenue and boost local economies.
  • Encouraging Entrepreneurship: Support for sports startups and incubation centers under initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Manufacturing Ecosystem: Strengthening the domestic sports goods industry to global standards.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Mobilising private investment via schemes like “Adopt an Athlete,” “Adopt a Venue,” and “One Corporate-One Sport”.

By nurturing a sports-driven economy, the policy aims to create jobs, promote innovation, and attract global attention.

Sports for Social Development

The National Sports Policy 2025 incorporates sports into the broader agenda of societal transformation:

  • Reducing Barriers: Customised infrastructure and programs for underrepresented groups.
  • Promotion of Indigenous Sports: Investing in cultural sports heritage to diversify talent pools.
  • Peace and International Cooperation: Fostering global diplomacy through sports exchanges and diaspora tournaments.
  • Mainstreaming Sports Education: Educational reforms and certifications to make sports a viable career option.

This strategic alignment ensures that sports serve as a medium for social inclusion, cultural pride, and youth empowerment.

Integration with NEP 2020

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Sports Policy 2025 aims to:

  • Integrate sports into the school curriculum.
  • Train educators and physical instructors in sports science and pedagogy.
  • Establish institutional feeder systems for early talent identification.
  • Create infrastructure for seamless implementation of physical education programs.

This intersection ensures a balanced development model that values both academics and physical literacy.

Cabinet Approves National Sports Policy 2025

On its approval, the Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025 as a forward-looking blueprint for nation-building. The policy is expected to significantly enhance India’s preparation for global events, particularly the 2036 Olympic Games, positioning India as a top contender.

Sports as a People’s Movement

To establish a fitness-oriented national identity, the policy promotes:

  • Mass Participation Campaigns: National programs such as “10,000 Steps Challenge” and “Family Sports Weekends.”
  • Fitness Indexing: Introduction of School Fitness Index and Fit Workplace Index.
  • Community Access to Facilities: Unlocking underutilised spaces for sporting activities.
  • Digital Engagement: Leveraging apps and platforms to promote public participation.

The goal is to turn sports into a lifestyle, driving both physical and mental well-being.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Conclusion

With the Cabinet’s approval, the National Sports Policy 2025 stands as a landmark policy reshaping the way India views, nurtures, and benefits from sports. Whether it is What is new National Sports Policy in India, the launch of Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, or the transformational National Sports Policy 2025 features, this initiative serves as a comprehensive roadmap for positioning India as a global sporting nation.

By integrating global aspirations, local inclusion, economic potential, and national pride, the National Sports Policy 2025 truly redefines sports as a strategic pillar for Viksit Bharat and paves the way toward India’s Olympic dreams and beyond.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

 

National Sports Policy 2025 FAQs

The new National Sports Policy in India focuses on excellence, inclusivity, economic growth, and aligns with NEP 2020.

Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 aims to promote grassroots participation, global competitiveness, and a fitness-oriented society.

The Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025 after inter-ministerial consultations, stakeholder engagement, and expert reviews.

Key features include talent development, sports infrastructure, women inclusion, sports-tech integration, and private sector participation.

Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 integrates sports into school curricula, empowers teachers, and supports student-athlete development.

It promotes sports tourism, startups, and manufacturing under schemes like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  

by month

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.