New Delhi, Jan 13 (.) The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has notified all National Sports Federations (NSFs) recognised by the central government to constitute a dedicated “Committee on International Relations” within their organisations to strengthen India’s engagement with the global sporting ecosystem.
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, the Department of Sports said the move aligns with the recently notified Khelo Bharat Niti–2025, which outlines sports as an important instrument of international diplomacy and cooperation.
The policy emphasises a multi-stakeholder approach to sports development, with greater coordination between domestic institutions and international sporting bodies.
According to the ministry, the proposed committee will serve as an institutional mechanism to monitor developments within international and continental federations, including changes in competition rules, governance structures, elections and athlete-focused programmes.
NSFs have also been encouraged to formulate medium-term international cooperation plans covering bilateral and multilateral agreements, joint training camps, exchange programmes, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and the hosting of international competitions in India.
The advisory underlined that all international engagements must remain consistent with Government of India policies, the Olympic Charter or relevant international federation statutes, and principles of good governance, anti-doping and athlete safeguarding.
Collaboration with foreign national federations, as well as international sports research and academic institutions, has been highlighted as a key area to improve access to advanced training and sports science support for Indian athletes.
NSFs have also been asked to prepare periodic briefs for submission to the ministry, detailing proposed or ongoing collaborations with international counterparts. These briefs are expected to focus on initiatives that enhance performance pathways, including exposure to elite competitions and overseas training opportunities.
In addition, federations have been directed to coordinate closely with international bodies for timely participation in bidding processes and to inform the ministry in advance of any intent to bid for hosting international events in India, as per existing guidelines.
The ministry stated that the committee should comprise senior federation members, former international athletes, coaches and subject experts with experience in global sports administration and diplomacy.
Details of the committee’s composition and terms of reference are to be submitted to the ministry within 30 days of the advisory.
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