India’s much-awaited National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, hailed as a blueprint for transforming the country into a “global sporting powerhouse,” has finally been released. On paper, the policy outlines an ambitious roadmap: increased funding, greater youth participation, sports infrastructure in every district, and Olympic excellence. But a closer look reveals a critical shortcoming: the glaring lack of focus on marginalized groups, particularly women, transgender individuals, and disabled athletes.
Despite its progressive language on “inclusive growth,” the new policy fails to address deep-rooted inequities that have long hindered equal participation in Indian sport. Activists, athletes, and experts have called it a missed opportunity to implement transformative change where it’s most needed.
⚖️ The Promise of Inclusivity — In Words, Not Action
The National Sports Policy boasts key aims:
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“Sports for All” as a fundamental right
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Talent development from grassroots to elite
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Increased public-private partnerships
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A structured pyramid from school-level to Olympics
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National sports federations’ accountability
But when it comes to specific mechanisms for marginalized athletes, the document offers vague references and token commitments — without dedicated quotas, budgets, or actionable programs.
🚫 Where the Policy Falls Short
1. Women Athletes: Still Fighting an Uphill Battle
India’s female athletes have made history — think Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Neeraj Chopra’s female relay teammates. Yet, systemic challenges persist:
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Lack of safety in training environments
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Fewer coaching and competition opportunities
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Wage disparities between male and female athletes
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Minimal representation in sports governance bodies
The new policy makes no mention of gender-specific funding, maternity support, or anti-harassment enforcement, all of which are vital to retain women in sports beyond school and college.
“It’s disappointing that after years of advocating for gender-responsive sports policy, there’s barely a paragraph acknowledging our struggles,” says Anju Bala, a former national hockey player.
2. Transgender Athletes: Left Invisible Once Again
India legally recognizes transgender persons under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Yet, the sports policy fails to:
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Define transgender inclusion in competitive sports
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Establish guidelines for fair participation
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Offer affirmative action or mental health support
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Address discrimination and abuse in locker rooms, trials, and coaching camps
“We are still treated as outsiders. The policy talks about inclusion but doesn’t even mention us explicitly,” says Riya Khan, a trans sprinter from Maharashtra who was barred from state-level trials last year.
This silence is especially problematic given global debates around trans inclusion in sports, and India’s responsibility to provide safe, accessible platforms for all athletes, regardless of gender identity.
3. Disabled Athletes: Overlooked and Underfunded
India has performed admirably in the Paralympics in recent years — with stars like Devendra Jhajharia, Avani Lekhara, and Mariyappan Thangavelu inspiring millions. Yet, the new policy:
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Does not earmark separate funding for para-sports
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Offers no infrastructure mandates for accessibility in stadiums or training centres
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Ignores the need for specialized coaches and assistive equipment
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Doesn’t address travel and accommodation support for disabled athletes
According to the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), over 70% of India’s state-level training centers remain inaccessible to wheelchair users and visually impaired athletes.
“We win medals for the country, but our training camps are often in dilapidated rooms with no ramps or guides,” laments Ankur Singh, a para-athlete from Uttar Pradesh.
📃 What the Policy Could Have Included
Critics say the policy could have taken real steps toward inclusion by:
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Mandating equal prize money across all genders and para categories
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Requiring inclusive sports infrastructure, with ramp access, tactile tracks, and separate changing rooms
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Establishing transgender athlete guidelines, with scientific fairness principles and psychological support
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Offering leadership training for women and trans persons in sports administration
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Appointing diversity officers within sports federations
Instead, the policy leans heavily on generic buzzwords, with little follow-through in the fine print.
📣 Reaction From India’s Sporting Community
🗣️ Women’s Rights Activists
Vrinda Grover, a prominent human rights lawyer, notes:
“It’s telling that we need a new sports policy in 2025, but we’re still failing to institutionalize gender equality.”
🗣️ Paralympians
Devendra Jhajharia, India’s two-time Paralympic gold medallist, tweeted:
“Proud of India’s growing sports vision, but we must not forget our para athletes. Equal support = equal results.”
🗣️ Transgender Advocates
The NGO Nazariya called out the “erasure of gender diversity”, saying:
“True inclusion means explicit visibility in law and policy. Silence is discrimination.”
📉 Missed Opportunity on Global Standards
Countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada have all adopted detailed gender and inclusion policies in sport. For instance:
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The UK’s Sport England mandates gender-equal funding across programs
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Australia’s sport policy includes a separate framework for LGBTQ+ athletes
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Canada provides accessibility grants to develop para-sports at the grassroots level
India’s new NSP could have drawn inspiration from these models to build a more inclusive sports ecosystem.
🏛️ What the Government Says
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports defends the policy as “a dynamic document open to adaptation,” and claims that state-level implementation guidelines will fill current gaps.
A ministry spokesperson said:
“We are in the consultation phase with stakeholders, including women and para-athletes. The implementation phase will ensure on-ground inclusion.”
However, no timeline has been shared for these consultations or revisions.
🧭 What Needs To Happen Next?
For the policy to truly uphold its claim of “Sports for All,” immediate steps must include:
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Revision of the policy draft to explicitly include underrepresented groups
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Dedicated budget allocations for women, trans, and disabled athletes
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Enforceable anti-discrimination clauses within national federations
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Capacity-building and awareness programs for coaches and officials
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Public disclosure and monitoring of inclusion benchmarks
✅ The Road Ahead: Inclusion Can’t Be Optional
India stands at the cusp of becoming a sports powerhouse, but true excellence will only come from equity, not just efficiency. A country of 1.4 billion cannot afford to leave behind vast sections of its population — especially those who’ve had to fight twice as hard for half the recognition.
If the goal is to make sports a tool for nation-building, empowerment, and dignity, inclusion must be a core metric — not an afterthought.
FAQs
Q1: Does the National Sports Policy 2025 mention transgender athletes?
No. The policy does not make any explicit mention or offer inclusion guidelines for transgender athletes.
Q2: Are there separate funding provisions for disabled or para-athletes?
No dedicated budget lines or infrastructure mandates for disabled athletes have been outlined in the current policy.
Q3: Will the policy be updated based on public feedback?
The Ministry claims the policy is dynamic and subject to stakeholder consultation, but timelines remain unclear.
