India’s New National Sports Policy 2025 Opens Doors for Diaspora Athletes

In a landmark move aimed at redefining India’s sports ecosystem, the Union Cabinet on July 1 approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, replacing the two-decade-old 2001 version. Touted as a transformative initiative, the new policy aims to reshape the country’s sporting landscape, promote social development, and empower citizens — both within India and abroad — through the medium of sport.

A central theme of NSP 2025 is its inclusive global outlook, especially with a renewed emphasis on engaging the Indian diaspora. Under the ‘Sports for Social Development’ pillar, the policy outlines efforts to foster connections with Indian-origin athletes residing overseas. “Sports can serve as a powerful bridge between the Indian diaspora and India,” the document reads, underscoring the potential of sports as a vehicle for international diplomacy and cultural unity.

This particular focus has stirred significant interest in the football community, with implications that the Indian government may soon permit Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to represent the country in international competitions. The prospect of OCI players featuring in the Indian football team has long been a topic of debate, but NSP 2025 suggests the government is now leaning toward embracing this opportunity.

“To strengthen this bond, dedicated sporting events and leagues can be organized specifically for and among the Indian diaspora,” the policy notes. “Wherever feasible, promising and prominent Indian-origin athletes living abroad may be encouraged to come back and play for India at the international level.”

This development aligns with recent comments from All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey, who, in a press briefing last month, revealed that 33 OCI players had expressed interest in representing India. The AIFF has reportedly been in talks with multiple government departments on this issue and received positive feedback.

While the Indian football team is set to resume its campaign in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in October, it remains unclear whether the necessary administrative changes can be implemented in time to include OCI players by then. However, the NSP’s endorsement has certainly given fresh momentum to the movement.

For many, the inclusion of OCI athletes could be a game-changer, offering India access to a broader pool of talent nurtured in some of the world’s top sports systems. More than just a policy shift, NSP 2025 signals a cultural reimagining — where sports become a platform for global unity, national pride, and inclusive growth.