The Sports Ministry has decided to constitute a dedicated Task Force to undertake a detailed assessment of the country’s motorsports ecosystem and examine the challenges associated with its growth as part of its efforts to revive and develop Formula one in India.

The Task Force will evaluate international, economic, tourism and investment benefits of hosting major motorsport events in India. It will also identify key priorities, infrastructure requirements, and operational needs for sustainable development and submit its recommendations to develop a comprehensive policy framework including exploring Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. The process is expected to be completed in three months.

The decision follows a ministry meeting with all stakeholders including F-1 officials, Buddh International Circuit owners, the Adani Group, representatives of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and racers.

Athlete Well-being policy

Meanwhile, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the ministry has also mandated an Athlete Well-being Policy to not only ensure support for mental and psychological concerns but also remove the societal stigma around mental health issues.

Coaching and administrative staff at all SAI training centres have been directed to provide a safe environment to every athlete with zero stigma and full validation that seeking psychological help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

“This mandatory policy shifts our focus from simple talent management to comprehensive, athlete-centric development. It protects our athletes in National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) and Sports Training Centres (STCs). This framework systematically acts before burnout forces a talented athlete to drop out,” Mandaviya said in an interaction with select media on Saturday, adding that a safe environment remains a non-negotiable right.

The Universal Acceptance model aims to facilitate every athlete from the grassroots to elite file concerns regarding anything impacting their peace of mind. Mandatory psychological screenings immediately upon an athlete’s induction and regular, non-invasive assessments through the year will be done to catch shifting stress levels before it blows up into a crisis.

Sports as CSR

Recognising that promotion of sports, despite being an eligible Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, was not accorded the status of a dedicated common theme, the Department of Public Enterprises has notified the same in its latest order, marking a significant policy shift.

The inclusion of Development of Sporting Activities as a Common CSR Theme for Finacial Year 2026-27 and Financial Year 2027-28 is expected to substantially enhance the visibility and priority of sports and provide an institutional mechanism for directing resources by Central Public Sector Enterprises.