India's Sports Ministry awards National Sports Federation status to the FMSCI, boosting Formula 1 initiatives.

The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) has received provisional recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF) from the Sports Ministry, marking a pivotal advancement for the organization as it collaborates with the government to reinstate Formula 1 (F1) racing in India. This recognition, granted on July 23, follows FMSCI's application submitted on June 11, and it opens the door for the federation to access financial support from the Ministry.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has been a driving force behind the initiative to bring F1 back to India, engaging in discussions with FMSCI officials to outline a strategic plan for the sport's return. The Ministry's official communication confirmed that FMSCI's request for NSF status has been approved, contingent upon the federation amending its Constitution and Memorandum of Association to align with the National Sports Governance Act and its associated regulations within a specified timeframe.

Established in 1971, FMSCI has been actively working with the Ministry not only to secure its recognition but also to facilitate the logistics necessary for hosting F1 events. To accommodate FMSCI's NSF status, the government has relaxed certain requirements regarding the minimum number of state unit affiliations typically needed for such recognition. However, the Ministry has made it clear that failure to adhere to guidelines concerning financial integrity, anti-doping policies, and governance could result in the revocation of this status.

In a bid to further the revival of F1 in India, Minister Mandaviya announced the formation of a Task Force aimed at evaluating the potential benefits and challenges of hosting major motorsport events. This Task Force will assess the economic, tourism, and investment opportunities that could arise from such events, while also identifying essential infrastructure and operational needs for sustainable growth in the motorsport sector.

The Task Force will include representatives from FMSCI, the Sports Ministry, the Uttar Pradesh state government—home to the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida—and the circuit's owners. The Minister has set an ambitious goal of hosting an F1 race in India by 2028. Previously, India hosted F1 races from 2011 to 2013, but the events were discontinued due to financial and taxation issues. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has noted the significant interest in the sport within India, with the fanbase growing from 79 million to 98 million in just six months, although he has not provided a specific timeline for the sport's return to the country.