In alignment with the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and the objective of establishing India as a leading global sporting nation, the Task Force constituted by the Department of Sports to review the coaching ecosystem in line with international best practices has submitted its report.

The Task Force, led by Indian badminton national head coach Shri Pullela Gopichand, examined key aspects of coach education and training, including the quality and availability of coaches, academic reforms in coach education, and systemic measures to strengthen capacity building.

The report outlines a comprehensive national framework for the development, accreditation and professionalisation of sports coaches across the country and presents actionable recommendations aimed at creating a robust, inclusive and future-ready coaching ecosystem.

The Shri Pullela Gopichand–led Task Force has called for the establishment of a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) as the apex national body for coach education, accreditation and governance. The NCAB will be responsible for setting national standards, approving coaching pathways, accrediting institutions, and ensuring consistency, transparency and quality across all sports and regions.

The Task Force has also proposed a Tiered National Coaching Pathway comprising Grassroots, Intermediate, Elite and National Team Coach levels, with Level 0 as the universal entry stage.

This pathway will enable multiple entry routes for former athletes, physical education teachers and sports science graduates, while ensuring merit-based progression linked to measurable outcomes and continuous professional development.

In line with the Task Force’s emphasis on real-world readiness, the Committee has proposed a Practice-First Coach Education Model, which adopts a Practice–Theory–Practice training philosophy.

Of the total 1,800 hours of coach education, nearly 78 percent will focus on hands-on field experience, mentored internships and supervised coaching practice, while the remaining component will cover sports science, psychology, ethics, safety and performance analytics.

Drawing inspiration from the successful Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for athletes, the Task Force has recommended a dedicated “TOPS for Coaches” model.

Under this initiative, high-potential and high-performing coaches will receive structured financial and institutional support for advanced training, technology adoption, international exposure, specialised support services and innovation in coaching practices.

To strengthen science-based decision-making, the framework also proposes the launch of a 24/7 National Sports Science Helpline.

Staffed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts including sports scientists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists and performance analysts, the helpline will provide real-time advisory support on injury prevention, nutrition, training load management, rehabilitation and performance analytics. The access will be enabled through a toll-free number, mobile application and online portal.

The report is available on website of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S) at https://yas.nic.in/en/sports/report-task-force-unified-framework-development-coaching-ecosystem-india-december-2025

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Ayushman Kumar

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