Sports Policies of India and Rajasthan State - RajRAS

Sports Policies of India and Rajasthan State play a significant role in promoting physical fitness and athletic excellence through the subject of Sports and Yoga. These policies aim to nurture talent, develop infrastructure, and encourage a culture of healthy living and competitive spirit across the nation and the state.

Previous Years Questions of Sports Policies of India and Rajasthan State

Year	Question	Marks
2023	Write name of any ten verticals of “Khelo India” Scheme	5M
2023	Write the number of total ‘Khelo India’ centres in India with special reference toRajasthan State with Sports discipline.	2M
2021	What is the significance of scientific backup to sports person in National Sports Policy?	5M

Sports Policies of India

Year	Event/ Development
1982	Asian Games held in India. Department of Sports established by the Government of India. National Welfare Fund created to provide financial assistance to players.
1985	Department of Sports renamed as Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
May 2000	An independent ministry founded to ensure the development of sports in India.
April 2008	The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports separated. Both departments were kept under the same ministry.

National Sports Policy 1984

This policy aimed to create a comprehensive framework for the development and promotion of sports in the country.
It emphasized developing sports infrastructure and integrating physical education and sports into the school curriculum.
It stressed the need for basic sports infrastructure to ensure community participation in physical education and sports.
The policy included provisions for reviewing progress every five years. It also led to the establishment of the Sports Authority of India (1984) to promote and manage sports and athletes effectively.

National Sports Policy 1992

On August 19, 1992, the Indian government announced a National Sports Policy to encourage sports, building on the 1984 policy.
This policy focused on four key areas:
- Creating a positive environment for sports across the country.
- Promoting the expansion of sports nationwide.
- Improving the competitive level of sports.
- Emphasizing sports management.

National Sports Policy 2001

The salient features of the National Sports Policy 2001, are as under:

Broad basing of sports and achievement of excellence;
Up-gradation and development of infrastructure;
Support to National Sports Federations and other sports bodies;
Strengthening of scientific and coaching support to sports;
Special incentives to promote sports;
Enhanced participation of women, scheduled tribes and rural youth;
Involvement of corporate sector in sports promotion; and
Promote sports mindedness among the public at large.

BROADBASING OF SPORTS:

that is, universalisation or mass participation in sports (participation from all sections of society and all regions)

Promote a “club culture” for the speedier development of Sports in the country.
In the National Sports Policy, 2001, high priority will be accorded to the development of Sports in the rural areas to harness the available talent and potential.
Promote and encourage participation of women.
To bring together various educational institutions- schools and colleges in both rural and urban areas, local bodies, sports associations and industrial undertakings, as well as various youth and sports clubs including Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)
Indigenous games will be promoted through schemes related to rural sports.

INTEGRATION WITH EDUCATION

Benefits :

Holistic Development: Sports contribute to the overall physical, mental, and emotional development of students
Mental Well-being: Participation in sports positively impacts mental health and reduces stress.
Academic Success: Engaging in sports can enhance focus and improve academic performance.
Discipline: Sports instill discipline and time management skills.
Ethical Values: Involvement in sports fosters teamwork, respect, and integrity.
Preparation for Life: Sports help shape well-rounded individuals who are ready to face life’s challenges.
Character building- Sports can help students develop essential values that go beyond the classroom.
Nation-building- develop positive health habits
Economic growth- can create jobs and promote economic growth.
Substance use- Less likely to use tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.

Key Points of National Sports Policy, 2001

Integration with Curriculum: Sports and Physical Education will be integrated into the educational curriculum as a compulsory subject.
National Fitness Programme to be launched in all schools across the country
Specialized Sports Schools: Establishment of specialized sports schools to nurture talent.
Competition Structure: Implementation of appropriate inter-school and inter-college/university competition structures at all levels.

EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS

National & International Excellence: The Union Government will prioritize achieving excellence at both national and international levels.
Priority Disciplines: Sports will be prioritized based on proven potential, popularity, and international performance.
Consideration of Genetic & Geographical Factors: Planning will consider genetic and geographical variations within the country to harness talent in specific areas.(eg- Gymnastics vs. 100m sprint; Wrestling/Kushti- Haryana)
Centers of Excellence: Specialized centers and sports academies will be established to identify, train, and groom talented sportspersons for higher performance on the international stage.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Collaborative Effort: The development and maintenance of sports infrastructure will involve multiple stakeholders.

Key Agencies:

Union and State Governments
Panchayati Raj Institutions
Local Bodies
Educational Institutions
Sports Federations/Associations
Clubs
Industrial Undertakings

Objective: Ensure the creation, utilization, and proper maintenance of sports infrastructure through sustained involvement from all sectors.

NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS (NSFs)

Autonomous Bodies: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and National Sports Federations (NSFs) manage and develop sports, with affiliated state and district associations.
Collaboration: Government, agencies, and federations must work together to achieve the objectives of the National Sports Policy, 2001.
Transparent & Professional: Model bye-laws and organizational structures for NSFs should ensure transparency, professionalism, and accountability.
National Championships: NSFs must hold annual national championships to foster competition and scout talent.
International Competitions: Hosting international events is also crucial for promoting excellence.(ODI Cricket World Cup-2023, Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010)

SCIENTIFIC BACK-UP TO SPORTS PERSONS

The significance of scientific-back up to Sports stands well established.
Experts would be associated with each Sports Discipline or Groups of Sports Disciplines, on a continuing basis, to provide the requisite support in terms of nutrition, psychology, medicine, pharmacology, physiology, biomechanics and anthropometry as well as other branches of Sports Sciences.
Appropriate research and development measures will also be initiated for the promotion of sports and to impart special skills to promising sports persons so that they are enabled to give their best in international and other prestigious competitions.
Mechanisms to be established to achieve coordination between the laboratory and the playing field , i.e., between coaches and sports scientists
Special attention to be given to ensure nutritional support to talented sports persons along with maintaining their mental health and competitive spirit.
The SAI and the NSFs would take coordinated steps towards the modernisation of the infrastructure required for the training of sports persons and to provide them with scientific support for achieving Excellence in Sports.

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Suitable measures will be initiated to ensure access to sports equipment of high quality.
The import of raw materials as well as finished sports goods of international quality should be permissible under Open General License.
Similarly, Sports Federations/Associations and other recognized Organization involved in Sports Promotion, as also eminent Sports persons, may be extended exemption of customs Duty.
The matter relating to exemption from Sales Tax for Sports Goods and of free movement of raw materials and finished sports goods in the country would be pursued with the State Governments.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF COACHES, SPORTS SCIENTISTS, JUDGES, REFEREES AND UMPIRES

Need for Improvement: The policy acknowledges the need to upgrade coaching standards and scientific support for sports.
Training for Coaches: Coaches will undergo rigorous training to enhance their skills.
Overseas Opportunities: Coaches may also be sent abroad for advanced training and skill development.
Officials’ Development: Umpires, judges, and referees will also benefit from this focus on skill enhancement.
Support for Coaches, Judges & Referees: Incentives will be extended to help them develop skills and gain experience.

INCENTIVES TO SPORTS PERSONS

Recognition & Financial Security: Incentives offer recognition and financial security to sportspersons during and after their careers, motivating youth to pursue sports seriously.
Insurance & Medical Assistance: Adequate support will be provided for insurance cover and medical treatment when needed.
Job Reservation: Job reservations for sportspersons will continue as per prescribed categories.
Social Recognition & Awards: National, State, and District-level awards, along with cash incentives, will be part of the policy.
Employment Opportunities: Incentives will also include avenues for employment.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR SPORTS

Insufficient Financial Resources: A major hurdle in sports development.
Need for Higher Budget: Both Union and State Governments must increase budgetary provisions for sports.
Corporate Involvement: Special efforts are needed to mobilize corporate funds for sports development.
Tripartite Agreements: Government, Sports Federations, and Corporate Houses should enter agreements for different sports disciplines.
National Sports Development Fund (NSDF):
- Established with an initial contribution from the Union Government.
- Contributions to this fund (domestic and international) receive 100% Income Tax exemption.

SPORTS AND TOURISM

Inter-relationship: Sports and tourism are closely linked, with potential for mutual growth.
Revenue Generation: Integrated development of sports and tourism can generate substantial revenue and attract both domestic and international tourists.
Promotion of Sports Culture: This integration will also promote a sports and fitness culture in the country.
Adventure Sports: Adventure sports hold significant potential for boosting tourism.
Systematic and coordinated implementation of programmes by concerned Ministries / Departments of the Union and State Governments dealing with sports , tourism and related subjects, through preparing joint/integrated plans and proposals for different parts of the country (including Northeastern states)

MASS MEDIA

Central Role: Mass media plays a key role in popularizing sports among the general public.

Electronic Media: National broadcasters, private channels, and online platforms can significantly promote sports.
Print Media: Newspapers and magazines can also contribute to strengthening a sports culture.
Objective: Mobilize media to build a stronger sports culture across the country.

GLOBALISATION

Global Cooperation: Sports will be used to promote cooperation and friendship both regionally and globally.
Sports Exchange Programmes: India will engage in programs with friendly nations focusing on:
- Advanced Training for athletes and coaches.
- Scientific Support and Research in sports.
- Infrastructure Development to enhance sports performance.
National Sports Policy, 2001:
- Will be reviewed periodically.
- Adjustments will be made to incorporate technological and other advancements in sports.

National Sports Policy 2007

The National Sports Policy 2007 was a draft policy proposed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports that aimed to make the sports framework in India more inclusive and effective.
The policy was discussed with various stakeholders, including state governments, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), National Sports Federations, sports administrators, and sportspersons. However, the government decided to withdraw the draft policy and instead continued with the existing National Sports Policy of 2001

Issues with Development of Sports in India

India, despite being the second-largest population and the seventh-largest economy, faces significant challenges in sports development (excluding cricket). Some critical issues include:

Governance of Sports

Corruption & Unaccountability: Almost all sports federations suffer from these issues.
Judicial Interventions: Supreme Court (Justice Lodha Committee -BCCI) and Rajasthan High Court (Justice NK Jain Committee) have intervened to address disputes and politics in sports organizations.
Lack of Regulation: Both State and Union governments have failed to introduce effective laws to control these issues.

Poor Infrastructure

Lack of Grassroot Facilities: Schools and colleges lack basic sports infrastructure, hindering natural talent from developing.
Talent Suppression: Due to inadequate infrastructure, promising talent is often lost at the school level.

Lack of Sports Culture

Secondary Status: Sports are viewed as supplementary activities and not as viable career options in India.
Unlike countries with structured youth programs, India lacks a strong grassroots system to identify and nurture talent from an early age.
School and college-level sports receive little encouragement.

Planning & Policy Gaps

State-Level Policies: Most states lack comprehensive sports policies.
Outdated National Sports Policy: The National Sports Policy was last released in 2001 and has not been updated.
Need for Holistic Policies: Policies should include sports as a viable career option, social security, and post-retirement rehabilitation for athletes.

Political Interference & Bureaucracy

Sports administration in India is often plagued by inefficiency, nepotism, and corruption.
Politicians and unqualified individuals dominate decision-making, affecting athlete development.

Focus on a Few Sports

Cricket receives overwhelming attention, while other sports like hockey, wrestling, athletics, and gymnastics struggle for recognition.
Football, badminton, and kabaddi have gained traction recently but still lag behind.

Doping & Ethical Issues

Cases of doping among Indian athletes have tarnished the country’s reputation.
Poor anti-doping measures and lack of awareness contribute to the problem.

Way Forward

Increase Investment: More funding and sponsorship from the private sector and government.
Improve Infrastructure: Building more sports academies and training centers.
Grassroots Programs: Identifying young talent and providing scholarships.
Reduce Bureaucracy: Hiring professionals for sports administration.
Diversification: Promoting a wide range of sports beyond cricket.
Encourage Public Participation: Changing societal attitudes towards sports as a career.

National Sports Policy 2024 (draft)

VISION :-

“Sports for Nation Building to Harness the Power of Sports for Nation’s Holistic Development in Amrit Kaal”
Policy aims to strengthen the sporting culture and ecosystem from the grassroots to the national level, ultimately achieving excellence in sports on the global stage, leveraging sports for economic development, utilizing sports as a tool for social development, and making sports a people’s movement for health and well-being.
Union government– Responsible for creating national policies, providing financial and operational support, establishing regulatory standards, and offering advisory guidance, facilitates major events.
State governments – Implementing these national policies at the regional level, managing local sports infrastructure, and organizing grassroots programs, provide additional financial support, monitor local implementation, and intervene to address specific regional needs.

OBJECTIVES :-

To establish comprehensive sports programs for participation of all groups from grassroots level to elite level.
To organize sports competitions and leagues at various levels, creating a robust competitive structure.
To implement physical literacy initiatives to promote a culture of sports and physical activity.
To develop a robust talent identification and development system to nurture future champions.
To ensure equitable access to sports infrastructure across the country.
To provide athlete-centric support systems for the holistic development of sportspersons.
To promote sports science, medicine, and innovation to enhance performance and well-being.
To strengthen governance and institutional frameworks in the sports sector.
To revamp funding mechanisms to ensure sustainable development of sports.
To foster economic growth through sports-related industries and activities.
To promote social development and inclusion through sports.
To establish sports as a viable career option for youth.
To encourage mass participation in sports and fitness activities for a healthier nation.
To develop a robust mechanism to reward and recognize champion athletes as well as retired athletes.
To develop a framework and guidelines for educational institutions to act as feeder institutes to impart sporting culture.

Contours of the NSP 2024 : Key pillars

The National Sports Policy (NSP) 2024 is built upon five key pillars that aim to transform India’s sports landscape.

Nation’s Excellence on the Global Stage: By enhancing infrastructure, talent identification, and international competitiveness.
Sports for Economic Development : emphasizes leveraging sports to boost industries such as tourism, manufacturing, and sports technology.
Sports for Social Development : It promotes inclusivity, health, and education through sports, fostering societal cohesion.
Sports – A People’s Movement : By engaging communities in physical activities, making sports a cultural cornerstone.
Integration with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 : integrating sports with education to nurture holistic development and life skills in students, youths, promoting both academic and athletic excellence

Rajasthan State Sports Policy, 2012

The Government of RAJASTHAN strongly feels that sports should be a firm and essential element in Human Resource Development strategy and, for that purpose, proposes to use sports as a tool for transforming the youth into self-confident, organized, and capable workforce, which can bring social change and economic well-being of the State.

Objectives

To create a culture of sports by imbibing higher moral and ethical values, spirit of comradeship and the desire to excel. >> To encourage more participation in sports
To provide opportunities to all its citizens to participate in sports,
To promote excellence in sports.
To develop, maintain and optimally utilize high quality sports infrastructure.
To encourage, train and support sportspersons to participate in national and international championships.
To channelize talent in sports and reward sports persons, who achieve excellence in sports.
To recognize special needs of para-athletes.
To make efforts to encourage adventure sports in the state of Rajasthan.

Vision

To develop sports facilities and provide opportunities to sports persons so that the state emerges as a leader in the country and get international recognition.

Rajasthan State Sports Policy, 2013

The Rajasthan Sports Policy 2013 specifically emphasizes providing basic sports facilities to all citizens according to their needs.

Objectives:

Create a positive environment for sports to attract more citizens.
Promote excellence in sports.
Develop high-quality sports infrastructure, maintain it, and ensure proper usage.
Encourage athletes to participate in national and international competitions.
Recognize and motivate talented athletes for better performance.
Provide necessary facilities for athletes with disabilities (para-athletes) to ensure their participation.
Promote and continuously encourage adventure sports.

Vision:

Develop sports facilities and provide sufficient opportunities for talented athletes, establishing the state as a leader in sports and gaining international recognition.

Key Focus Areas:

Development of basic sports infrastructure.
Regular training and training camps for athletes.
Promotion and support for sports and athletes.
Encouragement of advanced science and technology in sports.
First sports university will be established in Jhunjhunu with the aim of expanding education research & knowledge of physical education & sports.
Emphasis on organizing special sports activities, such as women’s sports, tribal sports, adventure sports, and traditional games.

Draft Rajasthan State Sports Policy, 2024

The Draft Rajasthan State Sports Policy 2024 outlines a comprehensive framework to enhance the sports ecosystem in the state.

Vision and Objectives

The policy envisions making Rajasthan a leading state in sports by recognizing athletes as central to all sporting activities and leveraging sports to benefit society. The primary objectives to be achieved by 2029 include:

Promoting Sports for All: Encouraging widespread participation in sports and fitness activities.
Developing an Athlete-Centric Ecosystem: Creating a system that supports athletes through quality coaching and infrastructure.
Upgrading Sports Infrastructure: Implementing the Rajasthan Sports Modernization Mission to develop facilities at various levels.
Supporting Elite Athletes: Preparing athletes for national and international competitions through initiatives like ‘Mission Olympics’.
Ensuring Equity: Promoting gender and regional equity in sports participation and development.
Digitalisation of the sports ecosystem: Ensuring good governance and administrative excellence.
Awareness: To educate and create awareness among the community about ‘ Fit Rajasthan’.
Recognizing Excellence: Rewarding individuals excelling in the sports ecosystem.
Encouraging Private Participation: Inviting private sector involvement in sports development.

Governance and Administration

The Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) is the primary authority for sports development in the state. The policy proposes reforms to enhance governance, including:

Professionalization and Administrative Restructuring: Introducing modern management practices.
Establishment of a Sports Technical Wing: To evaluate coaching programs and performance.
Formation of an Athletes Commission: A ten-member body to represent athletes’ interests.
Term Limits for Association Office Bearers: Implementing a three-term limit of four years each, with a maximum age of 70 years.

Priority Sports

The policy identifies specific sports based on participation, past performance, and talent, categorizing them into three tiers to optimize resource allocation:

Priority I (High Potential): Sports with a strong chance of international success, such as athletics, shooting, wrestling, weightlifting, volleyball, basketball, women’s hockey, boxing, judo, and yoga.
Priority II and III: Other sports with varying levels of focus and resource allocation.

Infrastructure Development

The Rajasthan Sports Infrastructure Modernization Mission aims to develop facilities at the Gram Panchayat, Tehsil/Block, District, and Division levels. Key initiatives include:

Sports Nurseries: Establishing nurseries within school premises to provide basic coaching and equipment to children aged 6-17.
Centers of Excellence (COE) and High-Performance Centers (HPC): Developing specialized centers for advanced training and athlete development.

Athlete and Coach Development

The policy emphasizes:

Scientific Training Programs: Introducing evidence-based development programs for athletes and coaches.
Coach Exchange Programs: Facilitating the exchange of coaches to address regional disparities and enhance skills.
Recognition and Rewards: Implementing cash rewards and incentives for athletes and coaches to motivate and acknowledge their contributions.

Support Measures

To ensure the well-being of athletes, the policy includes:

Medical Insurance: Providing coverage of ₹10 lakh for international athletes and ₹5 lakh for national athletes.
Pension Scheme: Offering a monthly pension of ₹20,000 to international athletes, para-athletes, and coaches who have dedicated their lives to sports and are not employed in government jobs or receiving any other government pension.

Promotion of Indigenous and Tribal Sports

The policy aims to revive and promote traditional sports such as Gilli-Danda, Kho-Kho, and Wrestling (Kushti), especially in tribal and rural areas, to encourage mass participation and talent identification.

Private Sector Participation

The government plans to:

Encourage Investments: Attract private sector investments through public-private partnerships (PPP) and incentives outlined in the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2022.
Leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds: Collaborate with corporate partners to fund sports development initiatives.

Implementation and Monitoring

The RSSC, under the guidance of the Department of Youth Services and Sports, will oversee the policy’s execution. This includes:

Digitalization: Implementing digital tools for sports management, including e-filing, e-office portals, and data analytics.
Regular Evaluations: Conducting performance reviews of coaches and athletes to ensure continuous improvement.

Conclusion

The Draft Rajasthan State Sports Policy 2024 is a comprehensive plan to transform the sports landscape in Rajasthan by fostering a culture of sports, developing infrastructure, supporting athletes and coaches, and encouraging private sector participation. Its successful implementation aims to position Rajasthan as a leading state in the national sporting arena.

The Rajasthan Sports (Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act, 2005

An Act, to provide for registration, recognition and regulation of Sports Associations and to facilitate and regulate the activities and affairs of the Sports Associations in the State of Rajasthan and also to provide for recognition and regularization of the right to present the State of Rajasthan and the various Revenue Districts in the State.
It extends to the whole of the State of Rajasthan.
It shall be deemed to have come into force on and from 18th August, 2004.

Important Definitions

“Primary Sports Body” means a sports unit operating in a revenue district which is neither a State Level Sports Association nor a District level Sports Association and is working at sub-division or tehsil or city or village lever and is constituted by individuals and is affiliated to a District Level Sports Association.
“Rajasthan Olympic Association” means the Association constituted for the purposes of representation of the State of Rajasthan in the National games and which is recognised as such by the Indian Olympic Association and is duly affiliated to the Rajasthan State Sports Council.
“Rajasthan State Sports Council” means the Council registered under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act, 1958.