Sports Ministry Notifies ANSF Scheme, 2026–31

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Department of Sports) has notified the continuation of the Scheme of ‘Assistance to National Sports Federations’ (ANSF Scheme) for 2026-27 to 2030-31, with an approved outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore. The Scheme is the principal mechanism for supporting Indian sportspersons and teams in international competitions, and takes effect immediately.

Background

ANSF is a Central Sector Scheme and the main source of Central funding for national teams at major international multi-sport events; National Sports Federations (NSFs) must raise their own resources, with Scheme assistance being supplemental. The Scheme was previously continued for the XV Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) with an outlay of ₹1,575 crore; the present notification gives effect to the Union Cabinet’s decision of July 31, 2026 approving a revamped Khelo India Scheme alongside an enhanced ANSF Scheme at a combined outlay of ₹36,441 crore.

Central assistance to NSFs had earlier been curtailed by the Delhi High Court, which directed the Government to withhold funding from federations not complying with the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, while athletes continued to be supported through the Sports Authority of India (SAI); the Court later permitted the release of funds to NSFs through a designated oversight committee.

The framework has since been placed on a statutory footing by the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, (NSG Act) under which only organisations recognised by the National Sports Board (NSB) are eligible for Central grants or financial assistance, and recognised recipients are treated as public authorities under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Objectives

The notification sets out nine objectives for the Scheme. Its principal aims are to support the preparation, training and participation of Indian sportspersons and teams in international events at home and abroad; provide comprehensive athlete support through NSFs, covering training, competition exposure, sports science and other specialised support; strengthen the professional competence and financial management of NSFs and ensure a transparent, timely and accountable flow of assistance; fund the hosting of international events in India, including mega multi-sport Games as and when awarded to the country; assist States, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and NSFs in conducting the National Games and National Championships; and promote grassroots development and capacity building, including coaches, technical officials and support personnel, as well as India’s standing with international federations.

Implementation

The Department of Sports and SAI are responsible for operationalising, implementing and monitoring the Scheme. NSF proposals are considered in the Annual Calendar for Training and Competitions (ACTC) meetings chaired by the Secretary (Sports). The Ministry will issue detailed implementation guidelines to the NSFs and other stakeholders.

The NSG Act is being brought into force in phases, and the NSB and wider recognition architecture are not yet fully operational; once they are, eligibility for Scheme assistance is to run through NSB recognition. During the transition, organisations recognised by the Central Government before the Act’s commencement are deemed to hold Board recognition; every National Sports Body must amend its bye-laws to conform to the Act within six months of the rules coming into force; and NSFs with upcoming elections may avail a one-time deferral of those elections until December 31, 2026, except where courts have directed otherwise.

The Scheme has been notified for implementation with immediate effect for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.