Revised scheme for National Sports Federations: ₹7,386.74 crore, Olympic Training Centres and up to ₹50 crore for events
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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports issued operational guidelines on 16 October 2026 for the revised Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs). The scheme runs from 2026-27 to 2030-31, the 16th Finance Commission cycle, with an outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore. New parts include sport-specific Olympic Training Centres, up to ₹50 crore for hosting international events, and up to ₹50 crore for the National Games. All of this is tied to preparations for CWG 2030 and the 2036 Olympic bid.
- Outlay
- ₹7,386.74 crore
- Period
- 2026-27 to 2030-31
- Hosting support
- Up to ₹50 crore
- National Games
- Up to ₹50 crore
Revised NSF scheme: what happened?
A medal at the Olympics usually rests on ten years of quiet spending: coaches, physios, foreign exposure and a lot of competition. The NSF scheme is the main way the Centre pays for that work. The new guidelines show how the money will be spent until 2031.
- It continues to fund national coaching camps, athlete boarding and lodging, insurance, sports science and foreign coaches (MYAS, 16 Oct 2026).
- Hosting proposals will be judged by a committee headed by the Secretary (Sports).
- Olympic Training Centres (OTCs) will each focus on one sport and aim to cut reliance on training abroad.
- New components support indigenous sports abroad, Global South cooperation and events for BRICS and BIMSTEC.
What are NSFs and why do they matter?
- NSFs are the national bodies that run each sport, such as athletics or wrestling, and pick national teams.
- They are recognised by the Sports Ministry and affiliated to international federations.
- This scheme is the main channel of central support for athletes preparing for the Olympics, Asian Games, CWG and World Championships.
- India is preparing to host CWG 2030 in Ahmedabad and is bidding for the 2036 Olympics.
What is new in the revised scheme?
| Component | What it does |
|---|---|
| Hosting international events | Up to ₹50 crore per event |
| Olympic Training Centres | Single-sport centres with sports science and experts |
| National Games | Up to ₹50 crore for equipment, timing and technical conduct |
| Indigenous sports | Help to get them into global events as demonstration sports |
| Global South and multilateral events | Scholarships, BRICS and BIMSTEC competitions |
Which laws and bodies apply?
- Sports is a State subject (State List Entry 33), but the Centre funds national teams and federations.
- National Sports Governance Act, 2025: National Sports Board, National Sports Tribunal and governance norms for federations.
- Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS, 2014) and Khelo India support elite and grassroots athletes.
- Sports Authority of India (SAI) runs National Centres of Excellence.
What are the challenges?
- Many federations have faced disputes over elections and governance, which delays funds.
- Money tends to go to elite athletes and big events rather than broad participation.
- Hosting events is costly and stadiums often stay unused afterwards.
- Women and athletes from smaller States still have less access to good coaching.
What should be done next?
- Release funds only to federations that follow the 2025 Act’s governance rules.
- Place OTCs where talent is concentrated and keep them open to junior athletes.
- Publish results-based reviews of each federation every year.
- Use hosting to leave behind useful community facilities.
What can Prelims ask?
- Scheme of Assistance to NSFs: ₹7,386.74 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Sports: State List Entry 33.
- TOPS launched in 2014; National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
- India hosts CWG 2030 in Ahmedabad.
How to write about sports governance in Mains
Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): What reforms are needed in sports governance for India to become a sporting power? Discuss with reference to recent initiatives. (GS-II)
- Intro: revised NSF scheme of ₹7,386.74 crore, Oct 2026.
- New tools: OTCs, hosting support, National Games, indigenous sports.
- Law: National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
- Gaps: federation disputes, elite bias, unused venues.
- Conclusion: tie funding to governance and results.
Image: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, which houses the Sports Authority of India headquarters. Sunnya343, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
How to use this in Mains
If asked: How can India improve its performance at the Olympics? (GS-II)
Quote: “Olympic Training Centres (OTCs) equipped with the latest sports science equipment are being planned to be set up, and these centres will be dedicated to one sport, having the best modern training facilities and experts, which will reduce the reliance on overseas training of Indian athletes.”
Use it: Quote it, then add coaching, grassroots and governance.
If asked: Can sport be a tool of India’s soft power? (GS-II)
Quote: “India has High Performance Centres and training facilities which can position the country as a leading partner for Global South by facilitating training of athletes and coaches by providing scholarships and subsidised use of facilities.”
Use it: Use it for the Global South angle.
Exam angle
Prelims: scheme outlay, State List entry, TOPS. · Mains GS-II: sports governance and schemes.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Under the Seventh Schedule, ‘sports’ is listed in the
Answer (b) & explanation
Sports is part of State List Entry 33.
Consider the following statements about the revised Scheme of Assistance to NSFs:
1. Its outlay is ₹7,386.74 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
2. It provides up to ₹50 crore for hosting an international event.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer (c) & explanation
Both are correct as per the October 2026 guidelines.
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was launched in
Answer (b) & explanation
TOPS was launched in 2014.
Questions students ask about this
What is the outlay of the revised NSF scheme?
₹7,386.74 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
What are Olympic Training Centres?
Single-sport centres with modern facilities and sports science support.
How much can be given for hosting an event?
Up to ₹50 crore, based on the event’s importance and size.
Who approves hosting proposals?
A committee headed by the Secretary (Sports).
Keep studying
Go deeper
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending