Massive hike in sports budget; sports hub to be developed in Bhopal; Minister Sarang provides details of new Khelo India scheme and plans for Madhya Pradesh
The Union Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for the new Khelo India scheme for the period from 2026–27 to 2030–31. In this regard, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang shared key details about the scheme on Tuesday at the TT Nagar Stadium in Bhopal.
Sarang stated that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the scheme aims to transform India into a sports superpower by creating a comprehensive development pathway for athletes—spanning from the grassroots to the Olympic level. He said that the sports budget has increased eightfold, and this new scheme is set to benefit ten times more athletes. He affirmed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh would make concerted efforts to ensure the scheme's successful implementation.
Special Strategy to be Formulated in the State for Successful Implementation
Minister Sarang stated that the new phase of the Khelo India scheme offers significant opportunities for sports facilities and athletes in Madhya Pradesh. He mentioned that large-scale investments would be made in sports within the state. Work will be undertaken to develop a sports hub in Bhopal, and the 52 existing Khelo India Centres in the state will be further strengthened. Strategies tailored to different regions will be formulated based on locally available sports talent and potential.
Integration of Khelo India and the National Education Policy
Minister Sarang explained that the scheme aligns with the objectives of the Khelo India Policy 2025 and the National Education Policy 2020 by integrating sports with education, fitness, technology, and high-performance training. He stated that athletic talent would be identified at the school level, enabling talent development from an early stage and preparing outstanding athletes for future competitions.
Talent Development from Grassroots to Olympic Level
Minister Vishwas Sarang detailed that the new scheme would create a structured development pathway for athletes, incorporating talent identification, scientific training, regular competitions, international exposure, and Olympic preparations. The framework includes a progression path starting from grassroots-level competitions and extending to the Khelo India program and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Uniformity Across All Sports-Related Entities
Sarang stated that under this new scheme, a nationwide sports ecosystem will be developed by integrating the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Khelo India Centre of Excellence (KISCE), Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres, recognized sports academies, Khelo India Centres, and the Armed Forces' youth sports companies. This will bring uniformity to all sports-related entities.
School and Talent Development Initiatives
Vishwasi Sarang mentioned that the aim is to make schools a major foundation for talent scouting. The new 'Khelo India Feeder Schools' and 'Khelo India Schools of Excellence' will integrate sports with the education system. Meanwhile, the structured athlete pool will be expanded nearly tenfold through the 'Emerging Khelo India Athletes' (E-KIAs) category.
Strengthening the resolve for 'Viksit Bharat 2047'
Minister Sarang stated that financial assistance would be provided to National Sports Federations (NSFs)—through enhanced support—for coaching, sports equipment, sports science, the services of foreign experts, and international exposure. He added that this scheme would strengthen India's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, its aspirations to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the resolve for 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.