The Uneven Development of Sport Policy in India

Abstract

Although there have been efforts to have a uniform set of guidelines to govern sport across the country, no national sports policy has had long-lasting or consistent effect in sports governance. This disconnect between National and State sports policies has meant that differing standards have been imposed on sports organisations across the country. Any attempt at creating an effective sports policy in India, Kruthika N.S. and Sarthak Sood argue, must first scrutinise the development and implementation of various state and national sports policies that have been codified in the past. This chapter aims to suggest recommendations on the themes to be tackled in an effective sports policy. India must urgently facilitate an ecosystem conducive for sports development, from the grassroots level to elite sport. Such a plan, especially with our nation of great inequalities, will require collective action by both the Centre and the States and should envisage a governance system that can sustain and embrace Indian sport.