New Delhi: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has asked all recognised National Sports Federations to create two new internal committees, one on International Relations and another on Make in India in Sports, to deepen India’s global sporting engagement and strengthen domestic capabilities in sports.
According to the advisory issued on January 13, the move is aimed at improving India’s sports diplomacy while encouraging indigenous manufacturing and innovation in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The proposed International Relations Committee will track developments within International Federations and Continental Federations, including changes in competition formats, governance systems, elections and athlete-focused programmes. It will also be tasked with preparing a medium-term plan for international cooperation, covering bilateral and multilateral MoUs, joint training camps, exchange programmes, knowledge-sharing initiatives and prospects for hosting international sporting events in India.
The committee will ensure that all overseas engagements align with Government of India policies, the Olympic Charter and international federation statutes. It will also be responsible for maintaining standards related to good governance, anti-doping and athlete safeguarding. In addition, it will work with international federations, national counterparts and global sports research and academic institutions to secure advanced training and sports science support for Indian athletes.
National Sports Federations have also been directed to route all proposals for hosting international events through the Ministry in advance, wherever consultation or clearance is required under existing guidelines, and to coordinate timely participation in bidding processes.
The Make in India in Sports Committee will focus on building stronger links with Indian manufacturers, start-ups, research bodies and testing and standardisation agencies. Its role will include supporting product development, trials and certification specific to each sport, with the objective of strengthening the domestic sports manufacturing ecosystem.
This committee will also prepare periodic reports on the adoption of indigenous equipment and technologies, highlighting progress, challenges and recommendations, with a specific focus on contributions towards Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
For International Relations, the committee is expected to include senior federation officials, former international athletes, coaches and subject experts with experience in global sports administration and diplomacy. Federations have been asked to share details of the committee’s composition and terms of reference with the Ministry within 30 days.
For Make in India in Sports, the committee should comprise senior federation members, technical experts, former international athletes and at least one member with experience in sports equipment or technology, manufacturing or standards. Details of this committee are to be communicated to the Ministry within 60 days of the advisory.
BI Bureau
