New Sports Policy Opens Door for Overseas Indian Athletes to Represent India

The newly implemented National Sports Policy, also known as Khelo Bharat Niti, is set to revolutionize Indian sports by potentially allowing players of Indian origin residing abroad to represent the nation. This marks a significant shift from the previous governmental stance that only Indian passport holders could compete for India.

This policy aims to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem and foster stronger global ties through sports.

Key Policy Changes

• Inclusion of Indian-Origin Athletes: The new policy encourages talented athletes of Indian origin living abroad to return and compete for India at the international level.
• Reversal of OCI Ban: The ban imposed in 2008 on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders, which hindered India's progress in sports like football and tennis, may be revoked.
• Sports as a Tool for Diplomacy: The 20-page Khelo Bharat Niti document emphasizes the use of sports for Peace and International Cooperation Activities, recognizing its potential as a powerful instrument for international diplomacy.

Strengthening Global Ties

The policy document states that India will seek Peace and International Cooperation Activities through Sports so that "Sports can serve as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and cooperation."

Impact on Indian Sports

The potential revocation of the OCI ban and the active encouragement of Indian-origin athletes could significantly bolster India's sporting capabilities.

• Enhanced Talent Pool: Access to a broader pool of talent from the Indian diaspora.
• Improved Performance: Increased competitiveness in international sports.
• Strengthened Sporting Ecosystem: A more robust and dynamic sporting environment within India.

Football Keen on OCIs

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has expressed strong interest in allowing OCIs to participate, indicating the potential for positive developments in the sport.

Tennis

In tennis, Prakash Amritraj - son of the legendary Vijay Amritraj - was one of several prominent US passport holders affected by the ban on OCI card holders. He had represented India in 10 Davis Cup ties between 2003 and 2008, before the restrictions came into force and barred players like him from continuing.

International Sports Exchange

The new policy also emphasizes promoting international sports exchange programs to facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaborative development efforts. This initiative will further enhance India's sporting prowess and strengthen its global connections.