Task Force submits report on coaching reforms to build a global sporting nation by 2047.
Photo Credit: Social Media and The Suncity News.
New Delhi, January 13, 2026: A high-level task force constituted by the Department of Sports has submitted its report reviewing India’s coaching ecosystem in alignment with international best practices on Tuesday.
With this, the vision of the central government is to achieve a ‘Developed India’ by 2047 and position the country as a leading global sporting nation.
The task force, headed by Indian Badminton National Chief Coach Pullela Gopichand, conducted a comprehensive review of the country’s coach education and training system.
The panel examined critical areas, including the quality and availability of coaches’ academic reforms in coach education, and systematic capacity-building mechanisms.
National framework for the development of coaching:
The report proposes a unified national framework aimed at the development, accreditation, and professionalization of sports coaches across all disciplines.
It outlines actionable recommendations to build a robust, inclusive, and future-ready coaching system that supports India’s long-term sporting ambitions.
One of the key recommendations is the establishment of a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) as the apex body for coach education and governance.
The proposed NCAB will be responsible for setting national coaching standards, accrediting institutions and training pathways, and ensuring transparency, uniformity, and quality across sports.
The task force has also recommended a tiered national coaching pathway, comprising grassroots level, intermediate level, advanced level, and national team coach.
The foundation level will serve as the universal entry point. The system allows multiple entry pathways for former athletes, physical education teachers, and sports science graduates, with merit-based progression linked to measurable outcomes and continuous professional development.
Emphasizing real-world readiness, the report proposes a practice-theory-practice coaching model.
Of the total 1,800 hours of coach education, nearly 78 percent will be dedicated to practical field experience, guided internships, and supervised coaching practice.
The remaining curriculum will cover sports science, psychology, ethics, safety, and performance analysis.
Drawing inspiration from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for athletes, the task force has recommended a dedicated TOPS for coaches program.
Under this initiative, high-performing and high-potential coaches will receive financial and institutional support, advanced training and technological access, international exposure, specialized support services, and innovation assistance in training methodologies.
National sports science helpline:
To promote science-driven decision-making, the framework proposes the launch of a 24/7 national sports science helpline.
The helpline will be operated by a multidisciplinary panel comprising sports scientists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and performance analysts.
It will provide real-time support on injury prevention and rehabilitation, nutrition and training load management, and performance analysis.
Access will be available through a toll-free number, mobile application, and online portal.
EOM.