New Delhi, August 26, 2025 — In a landmark step to transform India into a global sporting power, the Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy 2025, introducing a comprehensive framework that integrates sports with school education and long-term athlete development.
The policy emphasizes “Sports for All, Sports for Excellence”, ensuring that every child in India is exposed to structured physical education while creating clear pathways for talented athletes to rise to the international stage.
Key Features of the Framework:
- Sports in Curriculum: Schools nationwide will incorporate sports as a core subject, on par with mathematics and science.
- Grassroots Talent Identification: A nationwide talent hunt across schools will scout for young athletes, supported by district-level academies.
- University-Level Centres of Excellence: Five universities, beginning with Haryana and Telangana, will set up world-class sports centres specializing in multiple disciplines.
- Coach and Staff Training: Teachers will undergo certified training in sports education, fitness, and child psychology to guide students effectively.
- Digital Sports Dashboard: A central platform will track participation, performance, and scholarships to ensure transparency and opportunity.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur called the policy “a game-changer that places sports at the heart of nation-building.” He added that India’s ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics relies on building a strong sporting culture through schools and colleges.
The framework also aligns with the recently passed National Sports Governance Act 2025, which sets ethical standards, accountability, and welfare measures for athletes.
Educationists and former athletes welcomed the move, stating that making sports an integral part of learning will not only prepare champions but also ensure healthier and more disciplined future citizens.
