Khelo Bharat Niti To Encourage Overseas Indian Athletes To Represent Country

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 23:23 IST

The Khelo Bharat Niti will allow Indian-origin athletes abroad to represent India, reversing the 2008 ban on OCI card holders, promoting sports for diplomacy and cultural ties.

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri (PTI)

The newly unveiled National Sports Policy, also known as the Khelo Bharat Niti, aims to encourage players of Indian origin living abroad to represent India, marking a shift from the government’s previous stance that only Indian passport holders could play for the country.

The 2008 ban on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders from representing India has hindered the country’s progress in sports like football and tennis.

The 20-page Khelo Bharat Niti document states that India will pursue Peace & International Cooperation Activities through Sports, recognising that

“Sports can serve as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and cooperation."

“Wherever feasible, promising and prominent Indian-origin athletes living abroad may be encouraged to come back and play for India at the international level," it states.

“Together, these efforts can transform sport into a dynamic tool of cultural diplomacy and nation-building, strengthening the global Indian identity."

What Is The Current Rule To Represent India?

Currently, only Indian passport holders can compete for the nation. However, the ministry is considering revoking the ban so that “India’s sporting ecosystem can be strengthened".

The new policy also aims to promote international sports exchange programmes for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaborative development efforts.

“Sports can serve as a powerful bridge between the Indian diaspora and India, fostering enduring emotional, cultural and social connections. To strengthen this bond, dedicated sporting events and leagues can be organised specifically for and among the Indian diaspora."

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been particularly keen on allowing OCIs to play, despite the lack of major names eligible even if the ban is lifted.

In tennis, Prakash Amritraj, son of the legendary Vijay Amritraj, was one of several prominent US passport holders affected by the OCI ban. He represented India in 10 Davis Cup ties between 2003 and 2008 before the restrictions barred players like him from continuing.

(With inputs from PTI)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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