National Sports Policy 2025
Core Philosophy
Shift: From passion-driven talent to precision-based performance via science, tech, and medicine.
Motto: "Performance must be supported, not just expected."
Key Pillars & Innovations
| Component | Details | Institutions Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Science & Medicine | Injury surveillance, biomechanics, nutrition, mental health support | SAI, National Centre for Sports Science & Research (NCSSR) |
| Tech Integration | AI-driven performance tracking, injury prediction, real-time dashboards | Sports Innovation Task Force |
| Infrastructure Upgrade | Advanced hubs (e.g., Bengaluru TOPS Centre), "Return to Sports" unit (Delhi) | SAI Regional Centres |
| Global Support System | Dedicated 10-member medical teams at int’l events (e.g., Paris Olympics) | Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, IOA |
| Research Ecosystem | Grants for India-specific sports tech R&D | Academic Institutions |
Why a "Paradigm Shift"?
- Holistic Athlete Development: Integrates physiology, psychology, and nutrition.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Replaces intuition with biomechanics/analytics.
- Preventive Care: Focus on athlete longevity (e.g., injury surveillance).
- Institutional Accountability: Real-time monitoring of schemes.
- Schemes Linked:
- TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme): Funding elite athletes.
- Khelo India: Grassroots talent identification.
Critiques & Challenges (Mains Perspective)
- Implementation Gap: Advanced tech accessibility in rural academies.
- Ethical Risks: Data privacy, AI bias in athlete selection.
- Funding: Sustained investment for R&D and infrastructure.

