BS EDIT: India’s sports ambition: Scaling up needs governance reform

By Business StandardPublished On Jan 14, 2026

Ambition backed by funding

India’s 2036 Olympic push is backed by higher Khelo India funding and wider athlete outreach

Money isn’t the main constraint

Rising budgets have not fixed weak accountability and administrative capacity in federations

Governance gaps run deep

Outdated training and political control continue to undermine professional sports governance

Athletes missing from governance

Lack of skilling keeps former athletes out of decision-making roles

Structural imbalances persist

Performance remains uneven across states due to gaps in resources and coaching depth

Lessons from 2010, stakes for 2036

Mega events need strong institutions, not just infrastructure