The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has launched a Comprehensive Internship Programme across its key institutions to nurture young talent in sports administration, governance, science, and related fields.
The programme will offer 452 internships each year, with a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 for interns, supported by a total annual budget of ₹5.30 crore.
Purpose of the programme
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, said the initiative aims to promote “nation-building through sports” by opening up opportunities for college and university students to learn the workings of sports institutions. It aligns with the National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025.
The programme provides hands-on experience in areas such as sports governance, administration, sports science, anti-doping, event management, athlete support, and more. Interns will gain exposure to both policy-level work and on-ground implementation, helping them understand India’s sports ecosystem.
Where interns will work
Interns will be placed across MYAS and its autonomous bodies, including:
- Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
- National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL)
They will work in 20+ areas, including sports management, event operations, media and communications, legal affairs, IT systems, international sports governance, and anti-doping. Interns will also contribute to flagship programmes such as Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and Target Asian Games Group (TAGG), with field exposure at SAI stadia, regional centres, and national centres of excellence.
Focus on sports science and clean sport
Interns at NADA will support anti-doping awareness, legal compliance, and policy work, while those at NDTL will gain experience in laboratory-based anti-doping testing and research.
Budget and allocation
The total annual budget of ₹5.30 crore will cover stipends and training support:
- MYAS: 40 interns, ₹48 lakh annually
- SAI: 160 interns, ₹1.80 crore annually
- SAI Sports Science Division: 212 interns, ₹2.54 crore annually
- NADA: 20 interns, ₹24 lakh annually
- NDTL: 20 interns, ₹20 lakh annually
Selection and training
There will be two recruitment cycles every year (January and July). Selected interns will undergo structured onboarding, receive mentorship from experts, and actively participate in institutional projects, ensuring they gain practical experience rather than just observational exposure.
This internship programme aims to develop skilled professionals capable of supporting elite athletes, organizing major sports events, and strengthening India’s sports infrastructure for the long term.