Development of Sports in India: Policy, Achievements and Challenges

Sports development in India has advanced rapidly over the past two decades, with the collaboration of the government, private sector, and sports institutions playing a key role. After the National Sports Policy 2012, several reforms were implemented, improving sports infrastructure, coaching, and athlete support. Under this policy, a total budget of 1.8 crore rupees was allocated in 2023, which is 12 percent higher than the previous year. As a result, India has achieved notable successes on the international stage, especially in the Olympics and Asian Games. This article presents a detailed analysis of the major aspects, achievements, and future challenges of sports development.

The government reinforced the sports mission “Khelo India”, launched in 2018, with an additional fund of 2.5 billion rupees in 2023, leading to the establishment of more than 5,000 sports academies in rural and urban areas. Under this initiative, 1,200 schools were provided with high‑quality sports facilities, and 250 coaching centers were upgraded to meet international standards.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, India won a total of seven medals, comprising two gold, two silver, and three bronze. The gold medals were won in volleyball and shooting, while the silver medals came in archery and badminton. This success prompted the National Sports Council to adopt new strategies, placing special emphasis on scientific training and nutrition for athletes.

In the past five years, participation by female athletes has increased by 35 percent. In 2023, a budget of 300 crore rupees was specifically allocated for women's sports, boosting support for women's sports academies, scholarships, and international competition. As a result of this policy, the Indian women's team won 12 medals at the 2024 Asian Games, which is twice as many as in the previous two editions.

Even though the achievements are noteworthy, disparities in sports infrastructure and variations in coaching quality remain major challenges. In many smaller towns, the lack of modern facilities leads talented athletes to migrate to larger cities, weakening competition at the local level. Moreover, the inconsistency of private‑sector investment and the inadequate provision of post‑career support for athletes also hinder development.

Analysts believe that, to place India among the top five countries globally in sports by 2030, a unified national sports platform is required. Under this platform, an integrated database, long‑term insurance for athletes, and a public‑private partnership model should be implemented. If these measures are enacted in a timely manner, India is likely to win more than 20 Olympic medals in the next two decades, enhancing both national pride and economic benefits.