Expanded Khelo India Scheme
The Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of the Khelo India Scheme along with enhanced financial support for Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs).
The combined financial allocation of the two initiatives is ₹36,441 crore for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31.
The expanded programme aims to transform sports into a powerful tool for youth development, nation-building and India’s aspiration to become a global sporting powerhouse.
About the Expanded Khelo India Scheme
The revamped Khelo India programme seeks to build a comprehensive sports ecosystem by creating opportunities for athletes at every stage — from grassroots participation to international-level competition.
The initiative focuses on:
- Identifying sporting talent at an early stage.
- Providing scientific training and professional support.
- Creating pathways for athletes to compete at national and global platforms.
The scheme aims to make sports an integral part of education, fitness and youth empowerment.
Policy Alignment
The expanded programme is aligned with:
Khelo Bharat Niti 2025
- Promotes sports development as a key component of national growth.
- Focuses on strengthening sports infrastructure, talent development and competitive excellence.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- Encourages integration of sports and physical education into the learning process.
- Recognises sports as essential for holistic development of students.
Athlete Development Pathway
The scheme creates a structured progression system for athletes:
- Grassroots talent identification
- Scientific coaching and training
- Regular competitive exposure
- International participation
- Olympic and Paralympic preparation
Athletes will progress through platforms such as:
- Khelo India competitions
- Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
- Elite training programmes
This approach aims to create a continuous pipeline of high-performance athletes.
Institutional Framework
The expanded sports ecosystem will include:
- National Centres of Excellence
- Khelo India Centres of Excellence
- SAI Training Centres
- Accredited private and public sports academies
- Khelo India Centres
- Youth Sports Companies of the Armed Forces
These institutions will provide specialised training facilities, coaching support and athlete development programmes.
School and Talent Development Initiatives
The scheme introduces new initiatives to strengthen grassroots sports:
Khelo India Feeder Schools
- Schools will act as talent identification and training centres.
- They will encourage students to participate in structured sports programmes.
Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas
- These schools will integrate quality education with sports excellence.
Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs)
- The initiative will expand the structured athlete pool significantly.
- It aims to identify and nurture young sporting talent at a larger scale.
Fit India and Inclusive Sports Development
The expanded programme will strengthen the Fit India Movement by promoting:
- Active and healthy lifestyles among citizens.
- Greater participation of women in sports.
- Sports outreach in border and remote regions.
- Sports-based programmes to address substance abuse.
The scheme will also provide support for:
- Para-athletes
- Indigenous sports
- Community-level sports development
Coaches, Technology and Partnerships
National Coach Accreditation Board
- A dedicated accreditation system will standardise coaching qualifications.
- It will improve the quality and professionalism of sports training in India.
Digital Sports Ecosystem
A unified digital sports platform will help in:
- Athlete tracking
- Data-based planning
- Better governance
- Infrastructure management
Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration with:
- Private sports academies
- Corporate institutions
- Sports organisations
will help improve facilities, investment and athlete support systems.
Enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs)
The increased support to National Sports Federations will focus on:
- Professional coaching
- Modern equipment
- Sports science facilities
- Foreign expert assistance
- International exposure for athletes
This will help Indian athletes compete effectively at global sporting events.
Significance of the Initiative
Building a Sporting Nation
The scheme aims to move India from a participation-based sports culture towards a high-performance sporting ecosystem.
Preparing for Global Events
The programme will support India’s preparations for:
- 2030 Commonwealth Games
- Future Olympic and Paralympic hosting ambitions
Youth Development and Nation Building
Sports will act as a tool for:
- Discipline and leadership development
- Youth engagement
- Health and fitness promotion
- Social inclusion
Contribution Towards Viksit Bharat @2047
By strengthening grassroots talent, scientific training and international competitiveness, the expanded Khelo India Scheme supports the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Conclusion
The expanded Khelo India Scheme represents a shift from isolated sports initiatives towards a comprehensive national sports ecosystem. By combining grassroots talent development, scientific training, institutional support and global exposure, the programme aims to create a stronger sporting culture and position India as a major force in international sports.
FAQ: Expanded Khelo India Scheme
What is the Expanded Khelo India Scheme?
It is a revamped sports initiative to develop athletes from grassroots to international levels through training, infrastructure, and support.
What is the financial allocation for the scheme?
The scheme has a combined allocation of ₹36,441 crore for 2026–27 to 2030–31 along with ANSF support.
What is the main objective of the Expanded Khelo India Scheme?
It aims to identify talent, provide scientific training, and build India into a global sporting powerhouse.
Which institutions support athlete development under the scheme?
It includes National Centres of Excellence, SAI Centres, Khelo India Centres, and accredited sports academies.
How does the scheme promote inclusive sports?
It supports women athletes, para-athletes, indigenous sports, and youth participation in remote and border regions.
