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FMSCI has been in regular talks with the ministry on not just the issue of recognition but to also chart the way forward for F1’s India comeback.
Manuskh Mandaviya is pushing to have a F1 race in India by 2028. (AP Photo)
In a major decision, the Sports Ministry has granted provisional recognition to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). The step will strengthen the governing body’s role as the government intensifies efforts to bring Formula 1 back to India.
The Chennai-based FMSCI, headed by Arindam Ghosh, had applied for NSF recognition on June 11.
“…the request of Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) for provisional recognition as National Sports Federation (NSF) has been considered and it has been decided to grant provisional recognition to FMSCI as an NSF with effect from the date of issue of this letter,” the Ministry order dated July 23 stated.
The recognition comes with conditions. The Ministry has directed FMSCI to amend its Constitution/Memorandum of Association (MoA) to align with the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the rules framed under it within the stipulated timelines.
The federation has been in regular discussions with the Sports Ministry over the recognition process as well as the roadmap for Formula 1’s return to the country. As part of these efforts, the government has relaxed certain norms relating to the minimum number of affiliated state units.
The government has decided to “grant a major role to the FMSCI for promotion and development of the sport of motor sports in India.”
The Ministry also made it clear that the provisional recognition could be withdrawn if FMSCI fails to comply with guidelines relating to financial propriety, anti-doping measures, governance standards or is found to have misrepresented facts.
Last month, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that a Task Force would be constituted “as soon as possible” to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with hosting major motorsport events in India.
The Task Force will assess the economic, tourism and investment benefits of staging marquee motorsport events in the country while identifying infrastructure requirements, operational needs and other priorities necessary for the sector’s long-term growth.
It will include representatives from the FMSCI, the Sports Ministry, the Uttar Pradesh government (as the Buddh International Circuit is located in Greater Noida) and the circuit’s owners.
Mandaviya has set a target of bringing a Formula 1 race back to India by 2028.
India previously hosted Formula 1 at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013 before the event was dropped from the calendar because of taxation and financial issues.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has acknowledged the sport’s growing popularity in India but has stopped short of committing to a timeline for its return, saying the project would require the right investment and stakeholders to succeed.
According to an F1 statement issued in December last year, the sport’s fanbase in India stood at 79 million. In less than six months, that figure has increased to 98 million.
With PTI Inputs
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Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
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