Recent developments in Indian sports have sparked a buzz, but a closer examination reveals that much of the activity is mere "box-ticking". While the nation aspires to host the 2036 Olympics and aims to project an image of sporting prowess, several underlying issues need addressing to foster genuine and sustainable growth.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been embroiled in internal conflicts, as seen in the 19-month dispute between President PT Usha and the executive council. Although these disputes have seemingly dissolved, they highlight the administrative challenges plaguing Indian sports. The tabling of the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 (NSGB) and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament signal efforts to improve governance and combat doping. However, these efforts appear to be driven more by a desire to meet the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) requirements than by a genuine commitment to athlete development.

IOA joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey's emphasis on "essentials" for hosting a major event, such as the 2036 Olympics, underscores this point. While infrastructure development, good governance, and anti-doping education are crucial, they should not overshadow the importance of nurturing the sporting ecosystem from the grassroots level. As Sharda Ugra aptly puts it, investing in these essentials without addressing fundamental issues is like "investing in sandcastles".

One of the most disturbing aspects of Indian sports is the prevalence of doping. Recent reports of athletes facing threats from AIU officials after publicly exposing them paint a grim picture of the anti-doping environment. Furthermore, the exclusion of several Indian athletes from the Universiade due to official carelessness raises serious questions about the competence and accountability of sports administrators.

The NSGB aims to bring structural changes to how Indian sport is run and create an independent regulatory body. The National Sports Board is meant to take over overseeing NSF operations from the government. Plus, sporting disputes will now be handled by a National Sports Tribunal, not the civil courts. However, the current version of the bill is a pared-down version of the draft that was released for public feedback in October 2024.

Despite these challenges, there is no denying the growing interest in sports in India. The Indian sports market has experienced impressive growth in recent years, with its value reaching 15,766 crore rupees in 2023. This represents an almost fourfold increase compared to its value a decade ago. Moreover, forecasts indicate continued dynamic growth, with the market expected to exceed $130 billion by 2030. This growth is not solely driven by cricket but also by increasing interest in other sports such as kabaddi and football.

However, to fully realize its potential, Indian sports needs to address several critical issues. These include:

• Lack of infrastructure and training facilities: Many areas still lack quality sports infrastructure and training facilities, hindering the development of elite athletes.
• Insufficient funding: Many athletes struggle to secure adequate funding, limiting their training opportunities and participation in international competitions.
• Over-reliance on government bodies: The over-reliance on government bodies, coupled with bureaucratic inefficiencies, hampers progress.
• Societal attitudes: Sports are often seen as a leisure activity rather than a viable career option, leading to a lack of support for aspiring athletes.
• Gender disparities: Sports in India continue to be plagued by discrimination between men and women.

Ultimately, the "sudden buzz" around Indian sport should translate into meaningful change. This requires a shift in focus from mere "box-ticking" to a holistic approach that prioritizes athlete development, good governance, and a strong sporting culture. Only then can India truly emerge as a global sporting powerhouse.