Breaking Sports News: India’s New Policy to Empower Indian-Origin Athletes Abroad to Shine on the Global Stage!

New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) – India is changing its sports policy. The new plan, known as Khelo Bharat Niti, allows athletes of Indian origin living abroad to compete for the country. This is a shift from the past, where only Indian passport holders could represent India.

The previous ban on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders, set in 2008, had a strong impact on sports like football and tennis. Many talented athletes were unable to compete on behalf of India. The new policy now aims to tap into this overlooked talent pool.

The Khelo Bharat Niti document highlights the importance of sports as a tool for international diplomacy. It discusses ways to encourage promising Indian-origin athletes abroad to return and compete for India at the highest levels. The text emphasizes how sports can build emotional and cultural connections between the Indian diaspora and their homeland.

This move is not just about sports; it’s about nation-building and improving India’s global identity. The sports ministry plans to promote international sports exchange programs to enhance knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts.

Currently, organizations like the All India Football Federation (AIFF) are supportive of this change. Though there aren’t many prominent athletes waiting for the ban to be lifted, the potential is there. For example, Prakash Amritraj, son of tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, was previously affected by the ban. He represented India in the Davis Cup before the restrictions barred him from continuing.

This new approach may lead to a stronger Indian sports ecosystem. It aligns with a growing belief that sports can serve as a bridge, connecting India and its global community.

As India embraces this change, it also mirrors global trends. Countries like Canada have benefited from allowing dual citizens to compete, boosting their sports performance. By benchmarking against these models, India can carve out a brighter future in international sports.

In summary, the Khelo Bharat Niti is a transformative step forward, not just for athletes but for India’s identity on the world stage. Embracing this broader view of nationality can make India a stronger competitor in various sports.



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