India’s new National Sports Policy, called the Khelo Bharat Niti, has opened the door for athletes of Indian origin living abroad to represent the country in international competitions.
This marks a shift from the earlier rule that only Indian passport holders could play for India. The change is seen as a step towards strengthening India’s sporting presence globally and improving international cooperation through sports.
The policy document states that wherever possible, talented and well-known Indian-origin athletes based in other countries may be encouraged to return and compete for India. This would allow sports to play a larger role in cultural diplomacy and in building a stronger global Indian identity.
The move also aims to bring the Indian diaspora closer to the country through dedicated sporting events and leagues that foster emotional, cultural and social ties.
In 2008, the government imposed a ban that prevented Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders from representing the country in sports. This decision affected India’s progress in certain sports like football and tennis.
One such case was Prakash Amritraj, a US passport holder and son of tennis legend Vijay Amritraj. He represented India in several Davis Cup matches until 2008, when the restrictions forced him to stop.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been considering removing the ban to make India’s sporting ecosystem more inclusive and competitive.
The new policy also promotes international sports exchange programmes aimed at sharing knowledge, building capacity and encouraging joint development. These efforts are expected to contribute to India’s goals in sports as well as diplomacy.
Sports bodies like the All India Football Federation have shown interest in allowing OCIs to play, although there are currently no standout names eligible under the potential new rules.
Still, the policy lays the foundation for future participation by athletes of Indian origin, adding more depth and diversity to the country’s sporting talent.
