Sports Ministry Mulls Lifting Ban on OCI Representation

The Indian government is reportedly reconsidering its 2008 policy that bars Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) from representing the country in international sporting events. The move is being explored in light of challenges faced in disciplines like football and tennis.

As per a circular bearing no. F.45/2008, dated December 26, 2008, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) directed national sports federations (NSFs) to allow only sportspersons holding valid Indian passports to represent India internationally. The rationale behind the move was to ensure that the country’s limited sports resources are focused on nurturing domestic talent, providing them with training and international exposure.

However, growing concerns over stagnation in certain sports have reignited the debate on the policy. In football, a lack of depth in the talent pool led to veteran striker Sunil Chhetri being recalled from retirement. Recently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) President disclosed that discussions are underway to integrate OCI players into the national team setup.

Several countries have successfully leveraged their diaspora to boost national squads. Indonesia, currently ranked 123rd, has progressed to the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers — a rise largely credited to players born in the Netherlands. In April 2024, they were ranked below India at 134. Similarly, 18 of the 23 players in the Philippines’ squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup were born in the United States. Malaysia has also fielded players born in Finland, Scotland, Argentina, Spain, and Brazil since 2023.

The 2008 policy has been the subject of multiple legal proceedings over the years, and it now remains to be seen whether the government will amend or relax it to address the evolving needs of Indian sport.