Union Cabinet Approves Restructured ‘Khelo India’ Scheme: ₹36,441 Crore Investment to Give New Dimension to Sports Ecosystem
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the restructured Khelo India scheme with an outlay of ₹36,441 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31; this marks the largest government investment in the sports sector in independent India. The scheme aims to provide athletes—ranging from the grassroots to the Olympic level—with modern training, sports science, nutrition, advanced infrastructure, and digital facilities. Aligned with the National Sports Policy 2025, the National Education Policy 2020, and the Fit India Movement, the scheme focuses on promoting a sports culture and providing equal opportunities to rural talent. Additionally, the sports administration and coaching systems will be made more professional and transparent through the establishment of a National Coach Accreditation Authority.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the restructured Khelo India scheme and the proposal to provide robust financial assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs). The scheme will be implemented from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total financial outlay of ₹36,441 crore. This represents the Government of India's largest investment in the sports sector since independence, aiming to develop a strong and inclusive sports ecosystem for athletes at all levels, from grassroots to the Olympics.
Key Features and Significance of the Scheme
The scope of the restructured Khelo India scheme extends beyond mere talent identification; it aims to provide athletes with facilities such as quality training, modern sports infrastructure, sports science, nutrition, sports medicine, performance analysis, and digital administration. Under the scheme, National Centres of Excellence (NCOE), Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICOE), Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres, and recognized sports academies will be strengthened. This will provide equal opportunities to talent from rural and remote areas as well.
National Sports Policy and Broader Context (Background & Governance Linkage)
This scheme is aligned with the National Sports Policy 2025, the National Education Policy 2020, the Fit India Movement, and the Khelo India Mission. Its objective is to integrate sports with education, health, skill development, and youth empowerment. Additionally, the government will establish a National Coach Accreditation Authority to ensure transparency in sports administration, implement technology-driven management, and enhance the quality of coaches.
UPSC Mains Perspective (Analysis)
This scheme represents a significant step towards strengthening India's human capital development, youth empowerment, public health, women's participation, inclusive growth, and soft power. Large-scale investment in the sports sector will also accelerate job creation and the development of the sports industry, sports tourism, and sports technology. If effective implementation is ensured, India can make significant strides towards increasing its Olympic medal tally and emerging as a global sports superpower in the future.
