India’s push to become a global sporting powerhouse is gaining momentum, but experts stress that sustainable progress depends on deep governance and institutional reforms. Strengthening sports federations, improving accountability, and building long-term talent systems are now seen as critical to translating ambition into consistent international success.
India’s growing presence in global sports events has reignited debate around the structural foundations of its sports ecosystem. While recent performances and increased funding signal positive intent, analysts highlight that ambition alone is not enough. Governance quality and institutional capacity are emerging as decisive factors in determining whether India can scale up its sporting success.
Key Highlights
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Need for transparent and professional governance within national sports federations to reduce conflicts, improve decision-making, and ensure athlete-centric policies
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Importance of clear role definitions between government bodies, sports authorities, and federations to avoid overlap and administrative delays
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Focus on long-term athlete development systems, including grassroots scouting, coaching education, and sports science integration
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Greater accountability mechanisms to ensure public funding and corporate sponsorships deliver measurable outcomes
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Institutional reforms viewed as essential for attracting private investment and global partnerships in sports infrastructure and leagues
Experts note that without these reforms, India risks uneven progress despite rising interest and resources. With governance improvements, however, the country could build a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of consistent global competitiveness.
Sources: The Hindu, The Indian Express, Economic Times