The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), Sports Authority of India (SAI), and Indian Oil Corporation entered into a partnership to strengthen boxing in India through a structured programme focused on talent identification and athlete development.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stressed the importance of the strategic use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to further the sporting interests in the country, something that has been outlined in the revamped Khelo India Scheme, which was approved by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. 

 

Dr. Mandaviya said, “Under the revamped Khelo India Scheme, the Government is deepening collaboration with corporate partners, and CSR-backed partnerships like this will help build a truly national sports ecosystem.”

The signing of the MoU follows the inclusion of sports as a dedicated thematic area under the Department of Public Enterprises’ Common CSR Theme Framework, marking an important step towards strengthening corporate participation in sports development.

Under the partnership, Indian Oil will provide ₹40 crore over two years to support talent identification, athlete development, coaching, sports science, international exposure, strengthening of boxing academies, and capacity building of coaches, referees and technical officials.

Dr. Mandaviya further stated, “This MoU ensures the participation of the corporate sector in sports. Not just in boxing, but in every sport, corporates should come forward and lend a helping hand. In the early, developing stage, sport needs support. Later, as an ecosystem takes shape, it begins to sustain itself, and investments follow.”

 

“Beyond financial support, building a holistic boxing ecosystem requires talent identification, and investment in equipment, sports science, facilities, coach development and training of referees,” said Dr. Mandaviya. 

The MoU signed today aims to combine Indian Oil’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support, NSDF’s role in facilitating resources for sports development, and SAI’s technical expertise. 

 

It will provide boxers with access to quality coaching, scientific support, training facilities, and competitive opportunities at national and international levels.

The partnership comes at an important time for Indian boxing. At the Asian Games 2026, Indian boxers won six medals, including three gold and three bronze medals. 

The initiative aims to build on this performance by strengthening the development pathway for emerging and elite boxers.

 

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Union Sports Minister, Secretary (Sports) Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, other senior officials of the Sports Ministry, along with Boxing Federation of India President Mr. Ajay Singh, and Director, HR, Indian Oil, Ms. Rashmi Govil.

Established by the Government of India in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890, the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) facilitates the mobilisation of resources from individuals and corporate organisations for sports development. The Fund supports initiatives related to athlete development, sports infrastructure, academies, specialised coaching, equipment, and international exposure through partnerships with public and private sector organisations.

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Ayushman Kumar

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