Cabinet Approves Revamped Khelo India Scheme and Enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs)
Key Points
The Union Cabinet's approval of the revamped Khelo India Scheme, with a financial outlay of ₹36,441 crore, marks a significant investment in India's sporting future. This initiative is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 2 and GS Paper 3, as it highlights government policies on youth development and sports. Last Updated: 03-08-2026
Key Facts About the Revamped Khelo India Scheme
- The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Aims to integrate sports with education, aligning with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and National Education Policy 2020.
- Establishes a nationwide sports ecosystem with National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) and Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICoEs).
- Introduces Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV) for early talent identification.
- Expands the athlete development ecosystem with the Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category.
- Focuses on increasing opportunities for women athletes, para-athletes, and indigenous sports.
- Establishes the National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) for standardizing coaching qualifications.
- Strengthens the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme for international exposure and competition.
India's Sporting Ambitions and Global Impact
The revamped Khelo India Scheme is a strategic move towards making India a global sporting powerhouse. By fostering a robust sports ecosystem, it aligns with India's economic and social goals, such as enhancing youth development and promoting fitness. The scheme supports India's aspirations to host international events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and aims to improve India's global sports rankings.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Prelims: Facts about the financial outlay, objectives, and key features of the Khelo India Scheme.
Mains: Analytical themes on youth empowerment through sports, sports policy, and its socio-economic impacts.
FAQ Section
- What is the revamped Khelo India Scheme?
The revamped Khelo India Scheme is a government initiative with a financial outlay of ₹36,441 crore aimed at developing a comprehensive sports ecosystem in India from grassroots to global levels. - Why is the Khelo India Scheme important?
The scheme is crucial for nurturing young athletes, integrating sports with education, and positioning India as a global sporting nation, contributing to youth development and national pride. - What are the key features of the scheme?
Key features include establishing sports excellence centres, integrating sports with education, expanding athlete development pathways, and enhancing opportunities for women and para-athletes.
Detailed Coverage
- Cabinet Approval: Revamped Khelo India Scheme with ₹36,441 crore funding.
- Period: 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Objective: Harness sports for youth development and nation-building.
- Funding: Nearly eight times the previous Khelo India Scheme.
- Pathway Creation: Seamless transition for young athletes to Olympic podium.
- Policy Alignment: Integrates with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and National Education Policy 2020.
- Athlete Development: Comprehensive pathway from talent identification to Olympic preparation.
- School Initiatives: Introduction of Khelo India Feeder Schools and Utkrishta Vidyalayas.
- Competition Enhancement: Strengthening domestic competition ecosystem.
- Fit India Movement: Expanded to promote nationwide fitness.
- Coaching Standards: Establishment of National Coach Accreditation Board.
- Digital Platform: Development of a unified digital sports platform.
- Global Support: Strengthened Assistance to National Sports Federations.
- Investment: One of the largest investments in India's sporting future.
- Vision: Contributes to Viksit Bharat@2047.