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New Delhi: The Sports Ministry has granted provisional recognition to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). The government is striving for the return of Formula One in India and in view of this, this step is considered important. This will promote better coordination between the two bodies.

FMSCI had applied for recognition on June 11 this year. “After considering the request made by FMSCI for temporary recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF), it has been decided that FMSCI be granted temporary recognition as NSF with effect from the date of issue of this letter,” the Sports Ministry directive issued on July 23 said.

The ministry has asked the Chennai-based FMSCI, headed by Arindam Ghosh, to amend its constitution within the stipulated time frame in line with the National Sports Administration Act, 2025 and its provisions. FMSCI is in regular talks with the Ministry not only on the issue of recognition but also to decide the way forward for the return of F1 to India. The government has relaxed some of the norms to minimum affiliation required for state units. The Government has decided to assign a major role to FMSCI for the promotion and development of motor sports in India.

Along with this, the Ministry has also said that if the institution fails to follow the Ministry’s guidelines regarding financial integrity, anti-doping measures, governance structure or other facts then it will cancel its recognition. Last month, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had announced that a task force would be formed “as soon as possible” to assess the challenges and benefits of hosting major motorsport events in India. India hosted Formula One from 2011 to 2013, but the race was removed from the calendar due to tax issues and financial reasons.