New Khelo India Scheme: ₹36,441 Crore Initiative to Benefit Ten Times More Athletes

New Khelo India Scheme Approved with ₹36,441 Crore Funding

The Union Cabinet has approved an allocation of ₹36,441 crore for the ambitious 'New Khelo India Scheme'. This funding will be implemented from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31.

The primary objective of this scheme is to create a robust development pipeline for athletes, from identifying talent at the grassroots level to supporting them at the Olympic and Paralympic stages. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang announced that this new initiative is expected to benefit approximately ten times more athletes compared to previous versions.

Minister Sarang highlighted that this unprecedented eight-fold increase in the sports budget post-independence signifies the government's commitment to establishing sports as an effective medium for youth development and nation-building. The New Khelo India Scheme aims to position India as a global sporting powerhouse.

Integration of Sports Policy and Education

The new scheme aligns with the objectives of the 'Khel Bharat Policy 2025' and the 'National Education Policy 2020'. It will integrate sports with education, fitness, modern technology, and high-performance training.

The goal is to develop schools as primary centers for talent identification, ensuring the early recognition of young talents and their skill development through scientific methods. This new framework connects talent identification, scientific training, regular sports competitions, international exposure, and Olympic preparations through a structured developmental pathway.

Clear provisions are made for athlete progression from grassroots competitions to the 'Khelo India Program' and subsequently to the 'Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)'.

Building a Coordinated Sports Ecosystem

The scheme aims to create a comprehensive sports ecosystem fostering better coordination and uniformity among sports institutions nationwide. This integrated framework will include the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE), Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centers, recognized sports academies, Khelo India Centers, and youth sports companies of the armed forces.

To promote talent scouting at the school level, 'New Khelo India Feeder Schools' and 'Khelo India Model Schools' will be linked with the formal education system. Additionally, a structured athlete pool for 'Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs)' will be expanded, allowing a significantly larger number of athletes to benefit.

Emphasis on Inclusive Sports Development

The scheme includes crucial provisions such as the expansion of the 'Fit India Movement', promoting women's participation in sports, extending sports facilities to border and remote areas, and encouraging sports-based de-addiction initiatives.

Particular priority is given to para-athletes, the revival of traditional Indian sports, and the role of sports in community development. To further strengthen the sports management system, emphasis will be placed on standardizing coaching qualifications through the National Coach Accreditation Board.

An integrated digital sports platform and partnerships with private sports academies and corporate institutions will bolster sports infrastructure, governance systems, and athlete support.

New Sporting Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh

For Madhya Pradesh, this scheme will unlock new and significant opportunities for sports facilities and athletes. Minister Sarang stated that with substantial investment in sports, efforts will be made to develop Bhopal as a 'Sports Hub'.

The existing 52 'Khelo India Centers' in the state will be further strengthened, and specific strategies will be developed for different regions based on local talent and sporting capabilities. The new scheme will provide enhanced support to national sports federations, ensuring financial assistance for coaching, sports equipment, sports science, foreign expert services, and international exposure.

This initiative is poised to support preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, India's aspirations to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and reinforce the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision.