Govt Revises NSF Scheme With ₹7,386 Cr Outlay for 2026–31

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued revised operational guidelines for the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs). The government approved a massive budget outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore covering the 2026–27 to 2030–31 period under the 16th Finance Commission cycle.

The updated scheme introduces higher funding limits, modern infrastructure goals, and global diplomatic channels to prepare Indian athletes for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and India's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.

What Is the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs?

The scheme provides financial and technical backing to Indian sports governing bodies. It funds elite athlete preparations for the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympics, and World Championships.

Core Support Covered:

• Athlete Training: National coaching camps, boarding, lodging, equipment, and sports science support.
• Expert Support: High Performance Directors, foreign coaches, physiotherapists, and medical staff.
• Competition Exposure: International exposure trips and national championships across junior and senior divisions.
• Governance: Direct administrative assistance to recognized NSFs.

7 Major Upgrades in the Revised Scheme

1. Up to ₹50 Crore to Host International Events

NSFs can now secure up to ₹50 crore in financial assistance to host major international tournaments in India. A committee headed by the Secretary (Sports) will review proposals based on event scale and international participation.

2. Dedicated Olympic Training Centres (OTCs)

India will build specialized Olympic Training Centres across key disciplines. Equipped with world-class sports science units and elite international coaches, these hubs will reduce Indian athletes' reliance on expensive foreign training bases.

3. Expanded Funding for National Games

The government will provide up to ₹50 crore per edition to conduct the National Games. The grant directly funds competition equipment, Timing, Scoring and Result (TSR) tech, and referee honorariums.

4. Global Promotion of Indigenous Sports

The scheme actively funds the global expansion of traditional Indian sports. It supports efforts to secure demonstration-event status at the Olympics and Asian Games while establishing foreign federations for native disciplines.

5. Sports Diplomacy with the Global South

Sports Authority of India (SAI) hubs will host foreign athletes and coaches from Global South nations, offering subsidized facilities and training scholarships.

6. Multilateral Sports Engagement

The ministry will fund sports events, science conferences, and joint workshops hosted under multilateral blocs like BRICS and BIMSTEC.

7. Support for Global Sports Headquarters

Recognized continental and international sports governing bodies setting up operational offices in India will receive case-by-case government grants.

Strategic Overview: 2026–2031 Allocation