Cabinet Approves Rs 36,441-Crore Sports Push Under Khelo India

The Union Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme and an enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme on 31 July 2026. The combined outlay is Rs 36,441 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31. The package covers grassroots talent identification, athlete development, sports infrastructure, and support for national federations.

Khelo India Scheme

Khelo India is a Government of India programme for sports development at the school, college, district, and elite levels. The revamped scheme is designed to create an integrated sports ecosystem through National Centres of Excellence, Khelo India Centres of Excellence, and Khelo India Accredited Academies. The approved outlay is nearly eight times higher than that of the previous Khelo India Scheme.

New School-Level Initiatives

Two new initiatives, Khelo India Feeder Schools and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas, were approved to strengthen school sports. Khelo India Feeder Schools are intended to identify talent at an early stage. Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas are intended to integrate sports with mainstream education in school institutions.

Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme

The enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme provides funding support to Indian athletes and teams. The scheme covers coaching, sports science, modern equipment, international exposure, and participation in major international competitions. It also supports the promotion of Indian indigenous sports at the international level.

Important Facts for Exams

• Khelo India is a flagship sports development programme of the Government of India.
• National Centres of Excellence are specialised training institutions for high-performance athletes.
• The National Sports Policy 2025 and the National Education Policy 2020 are linked with the new sports framework.
• The 2030 Commonwealth Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games bid are part of India’s long-term sports planning.

Emerging Athlete Development

The new Emerging Khelo India Athletes category is expected to expand the structured athlete development ecosystem tenfold. The programme also seeks deeper collaboration with private academies and corporate partners for sports infrastructure and athlete support.

Long-Term Sports Framework

The approved package is intended to support India’s long-term sporting roadmap through 2030-31. The scheme structure includes grassroots identification, training pathways, institutional support, and international competition exposure.