India is working on a national sports medicine framework aimed at creating a more coordinated and preventive healthcare system for athletes as the country prepares for its long-term Olympic ambitions.
The proposed framework could standardise injury screening, diagnosis, rehabilitation and return-to-play procedures across sporting disciplines. It is also expected to connect healthcare institutions more closely with athlete training programmes and establish a national database of sports-related injuries.
The initiative comes amid concerns over uneven access to sports medicine specialists, team doctors, rehabilitation experts and sport-specific healthcare services. At present, sports healthcare remains fragmented, with limited coordination between key government departments and institutions.
The government is reportedly considering a phased implementation by 2028, with the proposal potentially finding a place in the Union Budget 2027-28.
Recently, NITI Aayog convened experts to discuss the development of an evidence-based and athlete-focused sports science ecosystem. Officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Ayush, ICMR and Sports Authority of India participated in the discussions.
The proposed system is expected to focus not only on faster injury recovery but also on prevention, athlete performance, continuity of training and long-term career sustainability.
