NEW DELHI: Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao on Thursday urged all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to finalize their selection process for the 2026 Asian Games by August 29, aligning with National Sports Day, to enable focused preparation for the major event in Japan.
Rao made the appeal while addressing stakeholders at the ‘Khelo Bharat Conclave’, a one-day gathering in the capital that brought together Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials, former athletes, and representatives from corporate sectors to discuss the roadmap for Indian sports.
“Let’s have a selection plan in place by August 29, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Dhyan Chand. That gives us a full year to prepare,” said Rao, who also serves as Director General of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
The next Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with India aiming to surpass its record haul of 106 medals (including 28 gold) from the previous edition in Hangzhou, China.
Rao’s push follows the Sports Ministry’s recent mandate requiring NSFs to publish clear selection criteria for major competitions like the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and their para equivalents at least two years in advance.
Despite this directive, Rao’s comments indicated that many NSFs have yet to fully implement these guidelines. The ministry also requires federations to post selection policies on their websites, with changes only allowed if made at least three months prior to a competition. Additionally, selection trials must now be videographed for transparency.
Standardizing selection procedures has long been demanded in disciplines like shooting, where experts such as renowned pistol coach Jaspal Rana have criticized unclear or last-minute criteria for hurting athletes’ prospects.
Rao also urged NSFs to digitize their Annual Calendar of Training and Competition (ACTC) and upload it on the National Sports Repository System by October 1, moving away from offline submissions.
“I request everyone’s cooperation—let’s move ACTC documentation online,” he said.
He also announced that three task forces will soon be formed under the newly launched Khelo Bharat Niti. These bodies will focus on:
- Enhancing the quality of sports coaching,
- Building a strong pool of sports administrators, and
- Developing India into a sports equipment manufacturing hub.
Rao further revealed that two laboratories at the National Forensic Sciences University in Ahmedabad are now operational. These labs will test nutritional supplements for banned substances to protect athletes from unintentional doping.
“Often, athletes unknowingly consume contaminated supplements. These labs will help prevent such incidents,” Rao explained.
Looking ahead to the National Sports Governance Bill, which emphasizes administrative accountability and is expected to be tabled in Parliament next week, Rao called on federations to embrace reform.
“On this National Sports Day, I urge every NSF to commit to announcing three good governance measures. It will be a sign of real intent,” he concluded.
