New Delhi: In a pioneering initiative, the Sports Ministry, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has announced the establishment of franchise-based 'professional national leagues' across various key sports disciplines at the grassroots and developmental levels.

These leagues are designed to identify, nurture, and expand talent, with support from corporate entities, while the National Sports Federations (NSF) will oversee the technical aspects of the events.

“The government seeks to develop a sustainable and inclusive model for sports excellence by harmonizing the interests of the corporate sector with the goals of sports development. The national leagues are anticipated to foster interest in sports, attract investments, and motivate young individuals to pursue competitive sports as a viable career option,” stated officials from the Sports Ministry familiar with the initiative.

SAI and the ministry will formulate the organizational structure for these leagues. “The government will provide the necessary ecosystem or overarching support for the establishment of the national leagues. It will develop the framework for their operation and actively encourage corporate sponsorship,” an official from the ministry remarked.

The organization of the league will be influenced by the specific characteristics of the sport in question.

Currently, national sports federations are responsible for hosting various age-group national championships at the domestic level.

It is important to note that the leagues organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) will not interfere with those managed by the federations. A representative from the Sports Ministry stated, “The Ministry and SAI will refrain from entering areas where professionally managed national leagues already exist, providing sufficient competitive opportunities for athletes. In situations where there is potential, the Sports Ministry and SAI will collaborate to establish these leagues.”

Initially, these leagues will be set up in sports where age-group national leagues are already being conducted as part of SAI’s ‘ASMITA – Sports For Women’ initiative.

“It will be implemented in sports that have the potential to host national leagues but have not yet been initiated,” remarked sources familiar with the situation.

“The establishment of national leagues aims to promote sports professionalism throughout the nation. This significant initiative is designed to create a structured environment for athletes to demonstrate their abilities, thereby fostering a strong sports ecosystem.”

To bolster this initiative, the ministry is expected to engage corporate entities involved in the sports academy sector. Promising athletes from these leagues will receive support similar to that provided under the Khelo India program.

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