India's hopes of bringing Formula 1 back to the country received a significant boost after the Sports Ministry granted the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) provisional recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF). The decision is expected to strengthen coordination between the governing body and the government as efforts continue to revive Formula 1 in India.
FMSCI had applied for NSF recognition on June 11, and the Ministry approved the request through an order issued on July 23, granting provisional recognition with immediate effect.
FMSCI receives provisional NSF recognition
In its official order, the Sports Ministry confirmed that FMSCI has been granted provisional recognition as a National Sports Federation. However, the Chennai-based body, headed by Arindam Ghosh, has been directed to amend its constitution and Memorandum of Association (MoA) in accordance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, within the stipulated timeline.
The Ministry also stated that FMSCI will play a major role in promoting and developing motorsport in India. At the same time, it warned that the recognition could be revoked if the federation fails to comply with guidelines related to governance, financial transparency, anti-doping regulations, or if any misrepresentation of facts comes to light.
Formula 1 return remains government's long-term objective
The recognition comes amid ongoing discussions between FMSCI and the Sports Ministry regarding the return of Formula 1 to India. The government has already relaxed certain norms related to the minimum affiliation required for state units to support the process.
Last month, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that a dedicated task force would be constituted to evaluate the feasibility of hosting major motorsport events in India. The panel will assess economic, tourism and investment opportunities while identifying infrastructure and operational requirements needed for the sustainable growth of motorsport.
The task force will include representatives from the Sports Ministry, FMSCI, the Uttar Pradesh government and the owners of the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, which previously hosted Formula 1 races between 2011 and 2013 before the event was dropped due to taxation and financial issues.
The Sports Ministry is targeting the return of Formula 1 to India by 2028, while Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously acknowledged the country's growing fanbase, which reportedly increased from 79 million to 98 million within six months.