How Does the National Sports Policy Reflect India’s Ambition to Become a Global Sporting Powerhouse?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New National Sports Policy 2025 approved to reshape India's sports.
- Focus on emerging sports like Padel.
- Encourages competitive leagues and infrastructure development.
- Aims to strengthen India's presence in international sporting events.
- Support from former Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi.
New Delhi, July 2 (NationPress) India's former Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi praised the recently endorsed National Sports Policy 2025, emphasizing how this policy paves the way for emerging sports such as Padel, encourages league formats, and bolsters India's Olympic strategy.
The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025 on Tuesday, an initiative designed to transform the sporting environment in the country and empower citizens through sports.
"The National Sports Policy 2025 embodies India's increasing ambition to be recognized as a global sporting leader. What’s remarkable is that this policy not only prioritizes established sports but also carves out opportunities for emerging ones like padel.
"The focus on creating competitive leagues, enhancing infrastructure in both rural and urban regions, and fostering collaboration with the private sector is precisely what newer sports like padel require to thrive," Bhupathi, who co-founded the World Padel League, stated.
This new policy replaces the previous National Sports Policy, 2001, setting forth a visionary and strategic plan to position India as a global sporting authority and a formidable competitor at international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
"This marks a new chapter in India's sports framework - one that will drive participation, investment, and global excellence. We are thrilled to contribute to this journey by introducing the World Padel League to India and making padel a widely recognized sport, as India expands its sporting landscape. Here’s to achieving many more sporting milestones ahead!" he concluded.
Bhupathi, a former doubles world No. 1 tennis player, was the first Indian to clinch a Grand Slam title, winning the mixed doubles French Open alongside Japan’s Rika Hiraki. He later secured four men’s doubles and seven additional mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.