Kalyan Chabury Applauds Khelo Bharat Initiative: AIFF’s Commitment to Collaborate with FIFA

Kalyan Chaubey, the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), welcomes the government’s new approach to allow Indian-origin players living abroad to join the national team. He sees this as a promising step for enhancing the team’s future. However, he also points out some hurdles in making this policy work.

On July 1, the Khelo Bharat Niti, a revamped National Sports Policy, was approved. This marks a change from the earlier rule that only Indian passport holders could represent the country. Chaubey commented, “Our policy now actively seeks talent from India’s diaspora, which is a great addition.”

Countries like Vietnam and Malaysia have successfully included naturalized players to boost their teams. Chaubey mentions that there have been calls for including players with Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards since 2008, when they were banned from representing India. “This ban has limited many talented athletes from enriching Indian sports,” he added.

The Khelo Bharat Niti emphasizes the role of sports in connecting the Indian diaspora with the homeland, fostering various connections. The document suggests organizing special events for Indian-origin athletes abroad to encourage them to play for India.

Chaubey pointed out that even with supportive policies, obstacles remain. According to FIFA rules, players must hold a passport from the nation they represent. An OCI card, while offering certain rights, isn’t equivalent to an Indian passport. “India doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so we need to find ways to tap into this diaspora talent without breaking any laws,” he said.

In August 2023, the AIFF set up a task force to explore this policy further. They’ve reached out to 33 OCI players globally to gauge interest. “This is a process we’re committed to. Even if we identify many potential players, we have to ensure they comply with eligibility,” Chaubey explained.

The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 signifies a major shift in Indian sports, especially football. The AIFF plans to nurture young talent from an early age, starting at 8 years. As children progress, they’ll have opportunities for competitions and high-performance training, eventually transitioning to the professional level.

The impact of these changes can be profound; according to a recent survey by the Indian Sports Authority, over 65% of young athletes express that they would consider returning to India if there are pathways to professional play. This suggests a strong desire among the Indian diaspora to contribute to Indian sports. Chaubey’s efforts not only aim to strengthen football but to unite a broader community of athletes. With clear plans and support from the government, the future for Indian sports looks promising.

For more on India’s sports policies, you can check [this report](https://www.sportsauthorityofindia.gov.in). Together, these initiatives could reshape how India engages with its athletes worldwide.

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AIFF, Indian-origin players, Kalyan Chaubey, Khelo Bharat Niti, National Sports Policy, Indian diaspora, OCI card holders, FIFA regulations