In line with the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and its ambition to position India as a major force in global sport, the Department of Sports constituted a Task Force to assess and reform the country’s coaching ecosystem in accordance with international standards. The Task Force has now submitted its report.
Chaired by national badminton head coach Shri Pullela Gopichand, the group reviewed critical dimensions of coach development, including the availability and quality of coaches, reforms required in academic and certification structures, and system-wide interventions to enhance capacity building.
The report proposes a nationwide framework for the development, accreditation and professionalisation of sports coaches, offering a set of practical recommendations to build a strong, inclusive and future-oriented coaching system.
One of the key recommendations of the Gopichand-led Task Force is the creation of a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) as the apex authority for coach education, accreditation and governance. The NCAB would define national benchmarks, validate coaching pathways, accredit training institutions, and ensure uniform standards, transparency and quality across sports and regions.
The Task Force has also suggested a structured National Coaching Pathway with multiple tiers—Grassroots, Intermediate, Elite and National Team Coach—beginning with a universal Level 0 entry stage. This structure allows diverse entry points for former athletes, physical education teachers and sports science graduates, while ensuring advancement is based on performance metrics, continuous learning and merit.
Emphasising applied learning, the report advocates a Practice-First approach to coach education built on a Practice–Theory–Practice model. Of the proposed 1,800 hours of training, nearly 78 per cent would be devoted to field-based experience, supervised coaching and mentored internships, with the remainder covering disciplines such as sports science, psychology, ethics, athlete safety and performance analysis.
Taking inspiration from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for athletes, the Task Force has recommended the introduction of a dedicated “TOPS for Coaches” programme. This initiative would provide promising and high-performing coaches with targeted financial assistance, access to advanced training, technology, international exposure, specialised support services and opportunities to innovate in coaching methods.
To further embed science-driven decision-making, the framework also proposes establishing a 24/7 National Sports Science Helpline. Operated by a multidisciplinary team of experts—ranging from sports scientists and physiotherapists to nutritionists, psychologists and performance analysts—the service would offer real-time guidance on areas such as injury prevention, nutrition, workload management, rehabilitation and performance analysis. Access would be available via a toll-free number, mobile app and online platform.
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