SAI Introduces Athlete Psychological Wellbeing and Support Framework

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has introduced an Athlete Psychological Wellbeing and Support Framework (the “Framework”) to provide a safe, supportive environment for athletes and to address their psychological wellbeing within the sporting system.

The Framework focuses on counselling, early identification of psychological concerns, and regular assessment of athletes at SAI’s National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) and Training Centres (STCs).

The Framework notes that athletes at STCs, many of whom are in their formative years, face issues such as being away from their families, adjusting to new surroundings, and managing academic and sporting commitments. Athletes at NCOEs, meanwhile, operate in a high-performance environment marked by intense competition, performance expectations, injuries, and selection pressures. SAI remarked that when such pressures are not addressed, they can affect psychological health and result in anxiety, burnout, reduced performance, and even dropouts. The Framework accordingly mandates its implementation across SAI’s institutional framework.

Athletes Can Raise Concerns Affecting Their Peace of Mind

Under the Framework, athletes can approach the system with a formal or informal concern regarding anything affecting their peace of mind. This includes issues relating to sports performance, the training environment, administrative matters, personal difficulties and social adjustment. The Framework also stresses “universal acceptance”, stating that every athlete, irrespective of competitive tier or background, should be acknowledged in an inclusive and supportive manner.

Psychological Screening to Be Conducted After Induction

SAI centres are required to conduct psychological wellbeing assessments after athletes are inducted at STCs and NCOEs. The purpose is to identify and manage adjustment difficulties at an early stage. These initial assessments will be followed by regular “Wellbeing Assessments” throughout the annual training calendar. The Framework describes these as routine, non-invasive checks intended to monitor athletes’ day-to-day emotional wellbeing and address changing stress levels early.

Dedicated Counsellors And Escalation Mechanism

Each Regional Centre will maintain a panel of qualified counsellors for NCOE and STC athletes. Counselling will include structured one-to-one sessions as well as informal and semi-formal interaction platforms. If an athlete feels that a concern remains unresolved at the primary counselling level, or if administrative mediation is required, the matter can be escalated to the Regional Director. The Framework also provides safeguards for athletes to raise concerns about coaching staff, management, or peers through independent channels.

Anonymous Channels And Group Counselling

The Framework provides anonymous ways to seek support, including physical suggestion boxes and drop-in mechanisms. Counsellors are also expected to coordinate with sports nutritionists, sports scientists and junior and senior coaches for early detection and management of disorders. Periodic group counselling sessions will address issues such as competition stress, fear of failure and team dynamics. SAI centres will also conduct awareness programmes on sexual harassment and POCSO as part of the athlete education curriculum.

The Framework ultimately seeks to strengthen counselling and support mechanisms so that athletes feel heard and supported while pursuing sustainable sporting excellence.

Separately, according to news reports, ‘Development of Sporting Activities’ has also been notified under the Common CSR Theme for 2026-27 and 2027-28, which includes developing sporting infrastructure, providing equipment, enabling access to professional coaching, promoting sports, and nurturing sportspersons. This gives teeth to sports as a priority sector for Corporate Social Responsibility funding by Central Public Sector Enterprises.