The Government of India has announced the launch of the Khelo India Mission in the Union Budget 2026-27. The mission aims to establish a comprehensive sports ecosystem that will provide professional assistance to the Indian athletes. The mission proposes to establish Khelo India Training Centre in every district through state level schemes, implement measures in sports science, psychology and nutrition, creating data platforms for real time monitoring. The mission’s prime objective is to establish India as one of the leading sporting nations by 2036. 1067 Khelo India Centers across 730 districts have been notified under the mission. Currently, around 27,500 athletes are undergoing training in these centers. These athletes also receive an annual support package that includes coaching, equipment, medical care, and allowance.
The Khelo India Scheme was launched as the National Sports Development Programme. On April 22, 2016, the competent authorities sent approval for the programme. It aimed to promote public participation and excellence in sports. Under this initiative, emphasis was to upgrade sports infrastructure, sports competition, talent development, inclusive participation, and the Fit India Campaign. Consequently, over the past decade sports have emerged as an organised sector in India. This programme has resulted in access to world-class infrastructure, training, and financial assistance. The youth in India, are achieving milestones in international and national sports event.
Under the Khelo India initiative, the Government will partner with the state governments to implement the policy of ‘One Nation and One Sport’. Further, to ensure India’s excellent performance in the upcoming Olympic Games, fourteen specific sports disciplines have been planned. These sports disciplines have been selected based on the possibility of achieving medal victories. They will be prioritise by the states to attract more athletes and promote their superior performance. These 14 sports disciplines are archery, boxing badminton, wrestling, hockey, weightlifting, cycling, athletics, judo, swimming, fencing, and rowing. There are other initiatives under the mission that have provided support to athletes, such as Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme, and Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI). KIRTI is the initiative to identify and nurture sports talents among children aged 9 to 18 years.
Khelo India Games has become a platform for nurturing and showcasing sporting skills. Twenty-three editions of the Khelo India Games have been held. Recently in 2026, the Khelo India Tribal Games were organised in Chhattisgarh. There have been seven editions of Khelo India Youth Games, five editions of Khelo India University Games, five editions of Winter Games and two editions of Khelo India Para Games. Over 60,000 athletes have participated in these games. Also, there have been special women’s leagues organised in thirty four sports disciplines. The Khelo India Mission offers new avenues for employment, skill development, and career advancement. The past decade since the implementation of Khelo India Programme, can be referred to as a golden era for India’s performance in international sports events such as Olympics, Paralympics, and Asian Games. The initiatives launched under Khelo India Mission will enable the nurturing of grassroots talent. The substantial investment in infrastructure, training and athlete welfare will make India as a global leader in sports.
