National Air Sports Policy

Why in the News?

Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced the country’s first national air sports policy (NASP 2022).

Key Points:

Highlights of the NASP 2022:

• About: The new policy lays out the vision of making India one of the top sports nations by 2030 by providing a safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable and sustainable air sports ecosystem in India

• Key Objectives of the NASP 2022:

1. Promote an air sports culture in the country 
2. Enable adoption of international good practices in safety including but not limited to, air sports infrastructure, equipment, operations, maintenance and training 
3. Develop a simple, stakeholder-friendly and effective governance structure 
4. Enhance participation and success of Indian sportspersons in global air sports events; and
5. Promote design, development and manufacturing of air sports equipment in India in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

• Governance structure: under the new policy, there will be a four-tier governance structure for air sports in India namely:

1. Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI) as the apex governing body 
2. National associations for individual air sports or a set of air sports, as appropriate 
3. Regional (e.g. West/ South/ North East etc.) or State and Union Territory level units of the national air sports associations, as appropriate; and 
4. District-level air sports associations, as appropriate

• Coverage: Air sports, as the name suggests, encompasses various sports activities involving the medium of air.
  • These include sports like air-racing, aerobatics, aeromodelling, hang-gliding, paragliding, paramotoring and skydiving etc.

• Significance of the Policy:

• India has the potential to be among the leading nations in the world of air sports
• It has a large geographical expanse, diverse topography and fair-weather conditions. It has a large population, especially the youth. It has a growing culture for adventure sports and aviation
• Other than the direct revenue from air sports activities, the multiplier benefits in terms of growth of travel, tourism, infrastructure and local employment, especially in hilly areas of the country, are several times greater
• Creation of air sports hubs across the country will also bring in air sports professionals and tourists from across the world

Way Forward:

• The NASP 2022, is a step in the right direction and will ensure the establishment of good quality infrastructure, equipment, instructors and services

Additional information:

• The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland is the world governing body for air sports
• Founded on 14 October 1905, it sets standards, organizes events and maintains global records. FAI has over 100 members 

About Air Sports Federation of India:

• ASFI shall be an autonomous body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation
• ASFI shall represent India at FAI and other global platforms related to air sports
• It will be chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation