Khelo India receives boost as sports ministry increases budget
The Indian government has once again shown its commitment to promoting sports at the grassroots level by significantly increasing the budget for the Khelo India scheme. This flagship program, aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent across the country, has received a massive allocation of Rs 900 crore in the latest Union Budget.
Launched in 2018, Khelo India has been instrumental in discovering and developing sporting talent from across India. The program has introduced several initiatives, including the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, and Khelo India Winter Games, to provide opportunities for athletes to showcase their abilities.
Also Read: India’s medal hopes for the Paris Olympics 2024 and their rivals
To support these young athletes, the government has established Khelo India State Centers of Excellence (KISCE) in various parts of the country. These centers offer world-class training facilities and expert coaching to help athletes reach their full potential.
Increased Budget for Sports Development
The overall sports ministry budget has also seen a slight increase compared to the previous year, indicating the government’s focus on developing the sports ecosystem in India. This additional funding will be used to support various sports disciplines, including Olympic sports, and to improve sports infrastructure across the country.
Along with Khelo India, other key areas that have received budget boosts include:
- National Sports Federations (NSFs): These organizations, responsible for governing specific sports, have been allocated an additional Rs 15 crore to support their activities.
- Sports Authority of India (SAI): The SAI, which oversees the training and development of athletes, has received an increased allocation to support its programs, including the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
- Anti-Doping Efforts: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) have also seen budget increases to strengthen India’s fight against doping.
The government’s continued investment in sports is a positive sign for the future of Indian sports. By providing adequate resources and support, India is taking significant strides towards becoming a sporting powerhouse. The Khelo India initiative, in particular, has the potential to create a lasting impact on the country’s sports landscape by identifying and nurturing future champions.
With the Paris Olympics approaching, the increased focus on sports development is timely and can help India achieve its best-ever performance at the Games.



