The Future of Indian Sports A Call for Excellence and Reform
By Dr. C. Ajithkumar, International Athletics Coach
Excerpt
Indian sports stand at a defining crossroads rich with potential yet still struggling to achieve consistent success at the world stage. The 7th National Sports Conference and the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 provide an opportunity to reshape the sporting ecosystem through reforms in infrastructure, training, governance, and athlete welfare.
The Imperative for Performance
India has celebrated remarkable individual triumphs across different disciplines, but building a culture of consistent excellence at world championships remains an urgent national objective. To achieve this, India must go beyond isolated successes and embrace a system wide reform that includes:
- World class infrastructure to provide athletes with modern facilities.
- Scientific and evidence based training methods tailored to each discipline.
- Sports psychology and mental conditioning to strengthen resilience under pressure.
- Holistic athlete support systems covering nutrition, recovery, and injury management.
Only through these integrated steps can Indian athletes match and surpass international standards.
The Role of the National Sports Governance Bill 2025
The passing of the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 is a landmark reform in Indian sports administration. This progressive legislation seeks to ensure transparency, accountability, and athlete centric governance across all sports bodies.
Key provisions include:
- Establishing a National Sports Board to oversee governance and development.
- Creating a National Sports Tribunal to address disputes swiftly and fairly.
- Protecting athletes rights, welfare, and career progression.
- Promoting ethical, professional, and inclusive practices in sports management.
This bill has the potential to reshape the sporting ecosystem into one that is not only athlete friendly but also globally competitive.
Towards a Sporting Powerhouse
The synergy of policy reforms like the National Sports Governance Bill with strategic insights from conferences such as the 7th National Sports Conference can serve as a turning point for India. By prioritizing athlete welfare, empowering grassroots talent, and fostering a culture of discipline and professionalism, India can steadily rise as a global sporting powerhouse.
The vision must be clear to create a system where every talented athlete whether from a metropolitan academy or a rural background has the opportunity, resources, and support to excel on the world stage.
India's journey from being a nation of occasional sporting brilliance to becoming a consistent force in international sports depends on bold reforms, unified commitment, and relentless pursuit of excellence.