India, Aug. 28 -- For too long, Indian sport has relied on flashes of individual brilliance. The foundational ecosystem of talent identification, coaching, grassroots facilities and governance remained neglected. Against this backdrop, and that of the National Sports Day (August 29), it is worth taking a look at the potential of the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025. The policy is an attempt to fix the plumbing. It treats sport not as a sideshow but as being essential to a healthy, confident, and competitive India.

By setting clear targets, aligning incentives across ministries and inviting private capital into the game, it recognises that medals are lag indicators of deeper systems. In doing so, it reframes sport as a tool for public he...