The Sports Ministry Calls for Establishment of International Relations Committees in National Sports Federations
The Sports Ministry has issued a directive to all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to form a “Committee on International Relations” aimed at enhancing cooperation with international bodies. This committee will be responsible for facilitating joint training programs and organizing major sporting events in India.
According to the ministry, the committee should include senior members of the federation, former international athletes, coaches, and experts with experience in global sports administration and diplomacy.
NSFs have been given a 30-day deadline to communicate the details of the committee’s composition and terms of reference to the ministry.
The move follows a recent statement by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, urging NSF officials to focus on international relations and delegate day-to-day administrative tasks to CEOs.
The ministry’s advisory underscores the importance of building strong ties with international bodies to benefit Indian sports.
The International Relations Committee will monitor developments in International Federation (IF) and Continental Federation (CF), including changes in competition rules, governance frameworks, and elections.
It will also develop a medium-term international cooperation plan covering MoUs, joint training camps, exchange programs, and hosting international competitions in India.
The committee will liaise with international federations to ensure India’s timely participation in bidding processes for hosting events.
Additionally, it will provide periodic updates to the ministry on finalized or ongoing collaborations between NSFs and international counterparts.
The briefs will focus on initiatives that enhance performance pathways for Indian athletes, including access to elite competitions and sports science support abroad.
Collaboration with international sports research institutions for training opportunities and sports science support will also be a key focus for the committee.
