Gujarat’s Sports Policy Needs Overhaul Before 2030 And 2036 Games

The committee, chaired by Jitu Vaghani and supported by 12 members, didn’t mince words. In its submission to senior officials in the state's Sports Department, it pointed out that while Gujarat organises large-scale sporting events such as the Khel Mahakumbh and international sports festivals, there is still a lack of basic infrastructure—such as sports complexes in educational institutions, permanent coaches across disciplines, and adequate training and nutritional support for athletes. In this context, the government was urged to develop a clear policy to elevate the state’s sports sector to a national level.

The Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG), which is responsible for driving sports initiatives across the state, has been facing ongoing hurdles. Key among them include delays setting up district-level facilities, lapses in the use of allocated grants, and irregularities in the tendering process. A dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has existed since 2013, but the PAC report suggests that real, on-the-groundprogress remains slow.

Coaching Workforce Needs A Boost

Despite having an approved recruitment calendar in place, Gujarat has seen little movement when it comes to hiring full-time coaches. Currently, the state has just 122 permanent coaches covering about 21 sports, alongside 133 outsourced and 29 contractual coaches. Several investigative agencies have flagged the issue, urging the Sports Department to prioritise permanent appointments, but so far, little has changed. The gap becomes more evident when compared with Haryana, a smaller state that employs around 750 full-time coaches who are actively working at the district, taluka, and village levels. In light of this, the PAC has recommended increasing the number of coaches and making permanent appointments.

CSR Can Fuel Sports Development

With more funds coming into the Sports Department, there is a great opportunity to raise the standard of sports complexes being built across districts and talukas. Officials have been encouraged to look closely at how sports facilities are developed both here and abroad. Furthermore, the committee also recommended the set up of a joint team with the Roads and Buildings Department to develop a clear policy on the construction of complexes. To facilitate financial convenience, the committee suggested tapping into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with corporate entities at district and state levels, and make policies for their effective utilisation.

Let The Experts Lead The Way

Another key recommendation is to bring in experienced sports professionals to guide state policy. It is essential to select coaches in a way that meets future demands, as long-term coaching helps athletes represent the state at the national-level. For coaching to truly reach athletes in remote areas, it is necessary to have permanent coaches at district and taluka levels.

The Urge To Prioritise Athlete Welfare

The most important aspect of sports is the primary facilities provided to athletes. In Gujarat, promising players are still struggling to receive adequate training, sufficient meals, or quality nutrition. The committee suggested including these aspects under a formal sports policy. Sandeep Sangle, Director General of the Sports Authority of Gujarat, stated that the committee’s recommendations are being gone through carefully, and they are prepared to implement them appropriately and timely.