About the Scheme
The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) launched in 1998 is a Government of India initiative aimed at mobilising resources for the development of sports and athletes. The fund supports elite and promising athletes, including women, by providing financial assistance for high-quality training and international exposure.
NSDF plays a crucial role in helping women athletes overcome financial constraints and access professional sports facilities.
Objectives of the Scheme
- To provide financial support to talented women athletes
- To assist in advanced training and coaching programmes
- To support participation in national and international competitions
- To encourage public and private contributions for sports development
- To strengthen India’s overall sports ecosystem
Eligibility Criteria
- The athlete must be an Indian citizen
- Women athletes with proven performance or strong potential at national or international levels
- Recommendation from SAI, NSF, IOA, or State Government is mandatory
- Support is granted based on merit, performance, and training requirements
- Athletes from Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines may be considered
NSDF – Step-Wise Flowchart for Women Athletes (India)
Participation at Grassroots / State / National Level
↓
Consistent Performance in Recognised Competitions
↓
Identification by Coach / Academy / Sports Authority
↓
Recommendation by SAI / National Sports Federation / IOA / State Government
↓
Proposal Submitted to NSDF Committee
↓
Evaluation Based on Merit, Need & Potential
↓
Approval of Financial Assistance
↓
Support for Training, Equipment & Competitions under NSDF
Sports Authority of India (SAI) – National Centres of Excellence (NCOE)
About the Scheme
The National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) are elite high-performance training centres established by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). These centres aim to develop international-level athletes, with strong encouragement and equal opportunities for women athletes.
NCOEs provide world-class infrastructure, scientific training, and a safe, professional environment to help women athletes reach peak performance.
Objectives of the Scheme
- To provide elite, long-term training to women athletes
- To identify and nurture high-potential talent
- To offer international-standard coaching and facilities
- To prepare athletes for national and international competitions
- To promote gender equality in high-performance sports
Facilities & Support Provided
- Residential and non-residential training
- Expert coaches and international exposure
- Sports science, psychology, and medical support
- Nutrition, physiotherapy, and injury management
- Education and career guidance support
Eligibility Criteria
- The athlete must be an Indian citizen
- Women athletes with strong performance records at state or national level
- Selection through SAI trials or NSF recommendations
- Applicable to multiple Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines
- Commitment to full-time training and discipline
How Women Can Avail the Scheme
Women athletes can avail training under the National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) through a performance-based selection process conducted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Athletes who perform well at state, national, or international competitions are identified by SAI coaches or recommended by National Sports Federations (NSFs). Selection trials and performance assessments are conducted to evaluate skill level, fitness, and potential.
Once selected, women athletes are enrolled in residential or non-residential high-performance training programmes at NCOE centres across India.
Successful Women Athletes from SAI – National Centres of Excellence (NCOE)
The National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) under the Sports Authority of India have played a significant role in shaping the careers of several successful Indian women athletes by providing structured training, expert coaching, and scientific support.
- Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)
Mirabai Chanu trained at the SAI National Centre of Excellence, Patiala, where she received advanced coaching, nutrition, and sports science support. Her training at NCOE contributed to her historic silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, making her one of India’s most celebrated women athletes. - Sakshi Malik (Wrestling)
Sakshi Malik trained at SAI centres including the National Centre of Excellence, Sonipat. With professional coaching and consistent support, she went on to win India’s first-ever Olympic medal in women’s wrestling at the Rio Olympics, inspiring generations of young girls. - Hima Das (Athletics)
Known as the “Dhing Express,” Hima Das trained at SAI Patiala NCOE, where she received scientific training and injury management support. She became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in a World Junior Athletics Championship. - Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing)
Lovlina Borgohain trained at SAI boxing centres and National Centres of Excellence, which helped refine her technique and international preparedness. She won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, bringing global recognition to Indian women’s boxing.
Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF)
The Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations has been implemented by the Government of India for many years as the primary funding mechanism for supporting national sports federations (NSFs) in preparing teams and athletes for national and international competitions, including Olympic, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and world-level events. The guidelines for assistance were significantly revised and formalised around July 1997 when structured support norms were introduced to provide consistent annual assistance to federations for sport development and competition preparation.
Objectives of the Scheme
- To strengthen National Sports Federations (NSFs) for systematic development of sports
- To promote participation and performance of women athletes at national and international levels
- To support training camps, coaching, competitions, and exposure tours
- To ensure structured preparation for Olympic, Asian, Commonwealth, and World events
- To create equal opportunities for women through federation-led programmes
Eligibility / Criteria
- The National Sports Federation must be recognised by the Government of India
- Women athletes must be registered with their respective NSF
- Athletes should participate in NSF-approved training camps and competitions
- Assistance is based on annual action plans, performance standards, and selection norms
- Support covers both elite and developing women athletes across disciplines
How Women Can Avail the Scheme
Women athletes benefit from ANSF indirectly through their National Sports Federations. There is no individual application process.
Once a woman athlete is registered with an NSF and selected for training camps, national championships, or international events, she automatically receives support funded under ANSF.
This support may include coaching, equipment, travel, accommodation, competition expenses, and exposure programmes, routed through the federation.
Success Stories (Women Athletes)
The ANSF scheme has contributed to the success of numerous Indian women athletes by ensuring strong federation support.
Women athletes such as Mary Kom (Boxing), Sakshi Malik (Wrestling), Hima Das (Athletics), Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling), and Indian Women’s Hockey Team players have benefited from federation-backed training camps and international exposure, helping them achieve success at Olympic, World Championship, and international competitions.