High priority

National Sports Federations: In a significant step toward bolstering India’s ambitions of becoming a global sporting superpower and potential host of the 2036 Olympic Games, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has unveiled revised norms under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs).

This overhaul — the first since February 2022 — aligns with the new Olympic cycle post-Paris 2024 and addresses the growing needs and challenges in India's sports landscape.

Reflecting the rising cost of training, infrastructure, equipment, and athlete welfare, the revised norms promise enhanced financial aid across key areas. National Championships will now receive increased support, with High Priority sports eligible for ₹90 lakh and Priority sports for ₹75 lakh — a significant leap from the earlier ceiling of ₹51 lakh. The budget for hosting international tournaments in India has also doubled, with federations now able to access up to ₹2 crore.