Sports Ministry Issues Key Rules for National Sports Federations

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has introduced comprehensive rules and norms governing financial assistance to National Sports Federations in India. These provisions are intended to regulate public funding while strengthening athlete preparation, governance, and accountability across the organizations, covering areas such as grassroots development, coaching, sports science, and financial management.

Key provisions require National Sports Federations to earmark at least twenty percent of their annual budget for grassroots programmes and to announce selection policies for international competitions well in advance. Federations with an annual budget of Rs. 10 crore or more must appoint a High Performance Director in consultation with the Ministry. Additionally, the guidelines establish funding limits for hosting international tournaments, cap grants for National Championships, and mandate specific medical insurance and personal accident insurance coverage for campers.

Further requirements focus on sports science and integrity, including quarterly testing for athletes, sport-specific medical protocols, and direct funding releases for doping control sample collection and testing. Administrative expenses are capped, and organizations must strictly comply with financial accountability rules, procurement regulations, and utilization-certificate requirements.