In a move hailed as a "strategic roadmap" for sports development, the Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025, with the ambitious goal of propelling India into the top five sporting nations by 2047. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant step towards creating a "world-class system" of coaching, athlete support, and robust sports governance.

The Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025 supersedes the National Sports Policy of 2001, building upon the foundation laid by the initial sports policy introduced in 1984. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the new policy is a "guiding document" designed to formulate plans and schemes for the betterment of the country's sporting ecosystem. He stated that the policy is the result of experience gained over the last decade and will work towards the improvement of sports with the major objective of making India a top-five sporting nation by 2047.

Prime Minister Modi has given a different kind of emphasis to sports, especially in rural areas. The policy is well-thought-out and addresses all matters related to sports, including the framework for sports governance. The Khelo Bharat Niti focuses on creating an inclusive sporting culture by spotting and supporting talent, especially in rural areas, and ensuring that everyone gets involved in sports.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called the Khelo Bharat Niti a transformative step towards reshaping India's sporting ecosystem. He highlighted that the policy outlines a strategic roadmap to promote sports culture at the grassroots level, enhance infrastructure, support athlete development, and establish India as a formidable force in global sports.

The policy's key objectives include establishing a strong regulatory framework for sports governance and developing innovative financing mechanisms, including private sector participation through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The policy aims to make sports a "people's moment".

This initiative aligns with India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, with a focus on creating the necessary infrastructure and hosting international events. The Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025, is expected to give a massive push for growth and development in India.