Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Issues Revised NSF Scheme Guidelines with ₹7,386.74 Crore Outlay
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued operational guidelines for the revised Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), following government approval for continuation of the Scheme for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 (16th Finance Commission Cycle) at a total outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore. This Scheme serves as the principal mechanism for supporting India's athletes in preparation for major international events including Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympic Games, and World Championships.
The Scheme provides comprehensive support including conduct of National coaching camps, training in academies, athlete support covering boarding, lodging, sports kits, insurance and sports science services, engagement of foreign coaches, High Performance Directors, and support personnel such as physiotherapists, sports scientists and doctors. It also facilitates foreign exposure through international training and competitions, conduct of Senior, Junior and Sub-Junior National Championships, grassroots and junior athlete development, and administrative and governance support to NSFs.
New Strategic Components for Long-Term Sporting Vision
The revised Scheme introduces several new strategic components aligned with India's long-term sporting vision and preparations for the 2036 Olympic bid and Commonwealth Games 2030. There is a substantive enhancement in financial assistance for hosting international tournaments in India, with support up to ₹50 crore provided to NSFs depending on the nature and importance of the event, number of participating countries and athletes. Proposals will be assessed by a designated Committee headed by Secretary (Sports).
Olympic Training Centres (OTCs) equipped with latest sports science equipment are being planned to provide specialized high-standard training, reducing reliance on overseas training. These sport-dedicated centers will support Indian elite athletes with coaches, technical staff, sports science services, and specialized equipment. The Scheme also includes provision for assistance up to ₹50 crore for conduct of National Games towards sports equipment, Timing, Scoring and Result (TSR) services, and remuneration to Technical officials.
International Outreach and Cooperation Initiatives
For global outreach of indigenous games, the revised Scheme includes support to NSFs of indigenous games for inclusion as demonstration events in global competitions like Olympics, Asian Games or Commonwealth Games, establishment of national federations in other countries, and support to international/continental federations of indigenous sports with offices in India.
International sports cooperation initiatives with Global South countries are supported through provision of assistance for facilitating training of athletes and coaches by providing scholarships and subsidized use of India's High Performance Centres and training facilities. The Scheme also includes financial assistance for conduct of sports competitions, sport-related conferences, meetings, research works, and workshops organized for multi-lateral bodies such as BRICS, BIMSTEC and other similar multi-lateral bodies.
Additionally, the revised Scheme includes funding to NSF/NOC for supporting recognized international/continental bodies in India on a case-to-case basis as per recommendation of the designated Committee headed by Secretary (Sports).