New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI): In a major move to strengthen India’s position in global sports, the Sports Ministry has directed all national federations (NSFs) to immediately form two critical committees—“Committee on International Relations” and “Make in India in Sports Committee”—aimed at enhancing international cooperation and promoting domestic sports manufacturing.
The International Relations Committee will comprise senior federation members, former international athletes, coaches, and experts in global sports administration and diplomacy. Its mandate includes monitoring International and Continental Federations, tracking competition rules, governance, and elections, and formulating a medium-term plan covering bilateral and multilateral MoUs, joint training camps, exchange programmes, knowledge-sharing, and hosting of international competitions in India.
The committee will also coordinate India’s participation in bidding processes and provide periodic briefs highlighting collaborations that improve performance pathways for Indian athletes, including elite competitions, sparring opportunities, advanced sports science support, and partnerships with international research and academic institutions.
Addressing NSF officials in Ahmedabad, Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao said, “You are the vision builders, you are not administrators. You require professional administrators in your organisation who handle the day-to-day business while you network with international bodies and plan the pyramid of growth. You should be able to facilitate a process by which our leadership is on first-name basis with the international body representatives.”
The Make in India Committee will include senior federation members, technical experts, former international athletes, and at least one member with experience in sports equipment, technology, manufacturing, or standards. It will track adoption of indigenous solutions, prepare progress reports, identify constraints, and provide recommendations. The panel will also raise awareness among athletes, coaches, and officials about approved Indian products suitable for domestic and international competitions. Rao stressed, “If you don’t use Indian products, how will they build the confidence of tapping into international markets.”
NSFs must submit committee details to the ministry within 30 days for the International Relations Committee and 60 days for the Make in India Committee, reflecting the government’s focus on responding to the “rapidly evolving global sports environment.”
Category: Breaking News
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