The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is the apex national sports body in India, established as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, following a government resolution in January 1984. 

Its primary mandate was to manage and carry forward the immense infrastructure and sporting legacy left behind by the IXth Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1982. 

Functioning under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI is entrusted with the twin objectives of promoting sports at the grassroots level and achieving high-performance excellence at both national and international arenas. 

• It serves as the nodal agency for implementing flagship government initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India, ensuring that elite athletes receive world-class training while young talent is identified through a structured scouting process.

The operational reach of SAI is vast, managed through a network of 187 centres across the country, which include National Centres of Excellence (NCOE), SAI Training Centres (STCs), and specialized units for Indigenous Games and Martial Arts (IGMAs) and traditional Akharas. 

As of recent statistics, these centres support over 9,400 trainees, with a strong emphasis on residential programs that provide comprehensive support to athletes. B

eyond athlete training, SAI plays a critical academic role through its institutions, offering specialized programs in physical education and sports science to produce qualified coaches and professionals. 

Additionally, SAI is responsible for the upkeep and utilization of iconic sporting venues in Delhi, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, ensuring these facilities remain accessible for national training and major competitive events.