&w=3840&q=100)
Khelo Bharat Niti may let Indian-origin athletes compete abroad
The ban on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders from representing the country in 2008 has affected India's growth in sports such as football and tennis.
However, the 20-page Khelo Bharat Niti document stated that India will seek Peace & International Cooperation Activities through Sports so that "Sports can serve as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and cooperation." "Wherever feasible, promising and prominent Indian-origin athletes living abroad may be encouraged to come back and play for India at the international level," it states.
"Together, these efforts can transform sport into a dynamic tool of cultural diplomacy and nation-building, strengthening the global Indian identity." Currently, only Indian passport holders are allowed to compete for the nation.
However, the ministry has been mulling revocation of that ban to ensure that India's sporting ecosystem can be strengthened.
According to the new policy, India will promote international sports exchange programmes "to allow knowledge sharing, capacity building and collaborative development efforts".
"Sports can serve as a powerful bridge between the Indian diaspora and India, fostering enduring emotional, cultural and social connections. To strengthen this bond, dedicated sporting events and leagues can be organized specifically for and among the Indian diaspora." The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been particularly keen on allowing OCIs, even though there are no major names who can be considered for India even if the ban is revoked.
In tennis, Prakash Amritraj son of the legendary Vijay Amritraj was one of several prominent US passport holders affected by the ban on OCI card holders. He had represented India in 10 Davis Cup ties between 2003 and 2008, before the restrictions came into force and barred players like him from continuing.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
13 minutes ago
- First Post
'Some things deserve clarity': Nitish Kumar Reddy clears the air on SRH exit rumours
Nitish Kumar Reddy has opened up on whether the rumours about him wanting to leave Sunrisers Hyderabad are true or now. Reddy had a forgetful IPL 2025 season with SRH, who finished sixth on the table. read more Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy has opened up on the speculations of him wanting to quit the IPL outfit Sunrisers Hyderabad. The all-rounder has been an integral part of the SRH squad for the last couple of seasons, and on the back of his performances in the IPL, he even managed to secure the India call-up. However, the past week saw rumours swirling about him wanting to explore a new challenge in the IPL edition of 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Addressing the rumblings, Reddy has come out to state that he is not swayed by the 'outside noise' and clarifies that the relationship between him and SRH is as strong as ever. Reddy clears the air on whether he wants to leave SRH 'I tend to stay away from the noise, but some things deserve clarity. My connection with SRH is built on trust, respect, and years of shared passion. I'll always stand by this team,' Nitish Kumar Reddy wrote on X. An India Today report gave credence to the assertions by claiming that Reddy is not happy with his role within the SRH setup and is contemplating an exit from the franchise. Reddy had an untactful IPL 2025 edition. The all-rounder featured in 13 matches of the season and failed to lift the struggling team with his performance. He managed to score just 182 runs at an average of 22.75 and carried a modest strike rate of 118.95. Reddy was retained by the franchise ahead of the auction for Rs. 6 crore. Nitish's struggles continued in England The IPL struggles carried forward to India's series against England. The team management entrusted Reddy to deliver handy performances with the bat in the lower order and also contribute with the ball. Reddy failed to capitalise on the opportunities he received and might particularly rue the chance he missed at Lord's, where he could have forged a match-winning stand with Ravindra Jadeja. However, he left India in dire straits and eventually the team lost by 22 runs. Following the Lord's Test,
Hindustan Times
13 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Gill, Rahul, Stokes show Test cricket is about quality and class
Compared to other venues in England Manchester has an entirely different vibe. Lord's is iconic with its intimidating aura and top end exclusive feel. Old Trafford is simple, more inclusive culturally and from a cricket standpoint. Clive Lloyd, Farokh Engineer, Wasim Akram, legends all, are among the most loved cricketers at Lancashire. Shubman Gill (R) and KL Rahul at the Old Trafford cricket ground, in Manchester, England. (PTI) The ground looks pretty ordinary – it has no celebrated slope, no Father Time/Grace Gate/Nursery kind of feature. It is essentially functional with a hotel at square leg and temporary stands at square leg on the other side to accommodate the extra spectators that turn up for an India game. Unlike Lord's where MCC members come through the gates proudly wearing their yellow/red ties/hats, Indian fans are everywhere at Manchester, loudly cheering the team and playing the dhol. Lord's, of course, not just frowns upon such behaviour but actually prohibits spectators from waving flags, blowing horns, trumpets and creating noise of any kind. At Old Trafford, Lancashire (established in 1861) one feels respect for cricket, and fans. On day one, when spectators faced long delays getting in, a public apology was issued and the matter sorted the next day. Each day before play, players are given a mini guard of honour by young school kids as they walk in. The cricket itself unfolded in many wonderful ways as Test cricket is nuanced, layered, full of possibilities and intriguing twists. India lose the toss — a mini setback but a relieved captain Gill says he was not sure what he'd have done. Kuldeep Yadav remains benched – another mini setback because it diminishes India's chances of getting 20 wickets. Team selection invariably generates debate: Some think Karun Nair deserved another hit. Others think Sai Sudharsan didn't deserve to be dropped after one game. A Test match, played over five days/15 sessions/30 hours/450 overs is like a mini Netflix serial where so much can happen. Each day throws up different challenges as teams fight for control, changing plans and strategies, thinking on the go, responding to situations. In Test cricket time is a major factor, and as play stretches over a long period success depends on being switched on and seizing clutch moments. It's also about skill, temperament, character and courage, qualities Rishabh Pant displayed in abundance. His skill level is outrageously high which is why he can sweep Jofra Archer (bowling at 145kph) on one leg to the square leg boundary and hit a fast bowler for six over mid on as if facing an off spinner tossing up 'hit me' balls. Rishabh is a high risk, high reward player – the kind who drives the captain and coach to despair. One can look at him bat and ask: why does he play the shots he does, the reverse for instance that causes injury and raises chances of getting out when in complete control. The answer: that's his style, it works, his numbers and batting average confirm he's better than those who are more 'disciplined'. Maybe this debate is irrelevant – Rishabh is one of his kind, a unique Test No.5 who flicks a switch to get into a T20 mode, so astonishingly inventive and audacious he scares players in both dressing rooms. Seeing him bat the choice is straightforward: go 'wow' or say 'ouch' and tear your hair in frustration. That he hobbled back to play with a fractured foot was a statement of commitment to the team, and of courage. The theatre of Test cricket also demands class, a level of play that is difficult to describe but easy to recognise. Ben Stokes is class, on a cricket field he has the personality and presence and the ability to influence the outcome. As captain, he directs the game, moves it forward, controls play. As a player he is high impact – a serious batter who is also seriously dangerous with ball in hand. In a less obtrusive manner KL Rahul is pure class. In the middle he is measured, sticks to straight lines and his composure is such that even MS Dhoni would nod in approval. But the standout class act is captain Gill with four hundreds in four Tests, the latest an all-time great knock scored in extreme adversity — team 300 behind on a fourth innings pitch, going in to bat at 0 for 2 in the first over. Gill is a no fuss, technically correct player, decisive in his movements and so easy on the eye one can watch him play the forward defensive shot all day. He owns the turf with a bat as wide as the sight screen.
Hans India
13 minutes ago
- Hans India
India must transform into a 'Lion', not just remain a 'Golden Bird': Mohan Bhagwat
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday called for India to become a strong and economically self-reliant nation, asserting that the world recognises and respects power. Speaking at the 'Gyan Sabha', a national education conference organised by the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas — an RSS-affiliated body — Bhagwat said that India must move beyond the symbolism of being the 'golden bird' and instead become a 'lion'. 'The world understands power. Therefore, Bharat must become strong. It must also grow rich in economic terms,' Bhagwat said, stressing that strength and prosperity are essential for India to find its rightful place in the global order. Touching on the theme of national identity, Bhagwat made a strong case for preserving the name 'Bharat' without translation. 'Bharat is a proper noun. It should not be translated. 'India is Bharat' — that's true. But Bharat is Bharat. In every context — whether personal or public, while speaking or writing — we should say Bharat,' he emphasised. He added that Bharat's identity must be upheld and respected for what it stands for. 'If you lose your identity, then regardless of your other merits, the world will neither respect nor protect you. That's the fundamental rule,' Bhagwat noted. The RSS chief also spoke at length about the purpose and values of education, stating that true education empowers an individual to live independently while inculcating a spirit of sacrifice and selflessness. 'Education that teaches selfishness is not real education,' he declared. He further said that education is not confined to schools alone but extends to the home and society. 'The environment in which children grow up plays a crucial role. Society must reflect on what kind of atmosphere is needed to raise a confident and responsible generation,' Bhagwat said. The conference was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, along with several senior academicians and vice-chancellors from across India. President of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary Dr Atul Kothari, Coordinator A Vinod, Chairman of Cochin Shipyard Madhu Nair were also present. The event focused on reshaping the country's educational framework in alignment with Indian cultural values and preparing the youth to face future challenges with clarity and confidence.
