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India may allow diaspora athletes in national teams
The new sports policy draft includes a clause enabling the participation of foreign nationals of Indian origin in national teams.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 02, Jul 2025
- 13:58 EDT
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Indian players / National Sports Policy
Indian-origin athletes holding foreign passports may soon be eligible to represent India in international competitions, according to the new sports policy draft released on June 29.
The National Sports Policy, also referred to as the Khelo Bharat Niti, released for public consultation, includes a clause enabling the participation of foreign nationals of Indian origin, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), in national teams, subject to the eligibility criteria laid down by international sports federations.
Also Read: India approves new sports policy with Olympics focus
“Wherever feasible, promising and prominent Indian-origin athletes living abroad may be encouraged to come back and play for India at the international level,” the draft states.
The move marks a significant shift in India’s approach to sporting talent, potentially opening the door for members of the Indian diaspora to compete for the country under certain conditions.
“To strengthen this bond, dedicated sporting events and leagues can be organized specifically for and among the Indian diaspora. Together, these efforts can transform sport into a dynamic tool of cultural diplomacy and nation-building, strengthening the global Indian identity,” it adds.
This provision departs from the Ministry’s 2008 guidelines, which limited national representation strictly to Indian passport holders. That position was upheld by the Delhi High Court in 2010, which ruled that foreign citizens could not represent India in sports due to concerns over constitutional allegiance.
The draft policy does not grant blanket eligibility and participation will remain subject to international federation rules, many of which require athletes to hold full citizenship or fulfill specific residency conditions.
India currently lags behind in several global sports, and the policy change is seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance the country’s competitiveness. Sports such as football, tennis, swimming, and athletics have seen athletes of Indian origin excel internationally, though they remain ineligible to represent India due to citizenship restrictions.
Globally, several nations benefit from diaspora and naturalised sporting talent. Countries such as the UK, France, and the United States regularly field athletes of foreign origin. In Asia, Japan and Qatar have also adopted flexible nationality frameworks for athletes.
In addition to diaspora participation, the draft National Sports Policy proposes several structural reforms, including the introduction of a National Sports Code, increased investment in grassroots talent, improved accountability for sports federations, and enhanced athlete support systems. Once finalised, the policy will replace the existing framework last updated in 2001.
The Ministry has invited feedback from the public and stakeholders until mid-July. The final policy is expected to be notified later this year, ahead of preparations for the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics.
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