The FMSCI submitted its application for recognition on June 11 of this year. The Ministry’s order, dated July 23, noted: “…the request of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) for provisional recognition as National Sports Federation (NSF) has been assessed and it has been decided to grant provisional recognition to FMSCI as an NSF effective from the date of issue of this letter.”
The Ministry has instructed FMSCI, located in Chennai and led by Arindam Ghosh, to revise its constitution/Memorandum of Association (MoA) to align with the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the corresponding rules within the designated timelines.
FMSCI has been in ongoing discussions with the ministry concerning recognition, as well as planning for the return of F1 to India. The government has relaxed certain regulations regarding the minimum affiliation needed for state units.
The government has chosen to “assign a significant role to the FMSCI in the promotion and development of motor sports in India.” The Ministry has also indicated that it will withdraw recognition if the organization fails to meet ministry standards on financial integrity, anti-doping, governance structure, or misrepresentation of facts.
Last month, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that a Task Force would be set up “as soon as possible” to evaluate the challenges and advantages of hosting major motorsport events in the country.
The Task Force will assess the economic, tourism, and investment benefits from hosting major motorsport events in India, along with identifying key priorities, infrastructure needs, and operational requirements for the sustainable growth of the sector.
Members of the Task Force will include representatives from FMSCI, the Sports Ministry, the state government (specifically Uttar Pradesh, home to Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida), and the facility owners.
The minister is advocating for a Formula 1 race in India by 2028.
India previously hosted Formula One races from 2011 to 2013 before they were removed from the calendar due to issues related to taxation and financial disputes.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has recognized the substantial interest in India but has not specified a timeline for its return, noting that appropriate investment and personnel are essential for the initiative to succeed.
According to an F1 statement from December of last year, the sport’s fan base in India was at 79 million. In less than six months, that figure has surged to 98 million.
