Cabinet approves Rs 36,441 crore Khelo India expansion to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem

The Union Cabinet has approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme and enhanced funding for National Sports Federations with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-31. The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots sports, athlete development, coaching, infrastructure and India's Olympic ambitions.

Hyderabad: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) with a combined outlay of rS 36,441 crore for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to harnessing the power of sports for youth development and nation-building, according to a SAI media release.

This is the country’s most ambitious sports development programme since Independence. The aspirations of the youth of the country towards sports has been given a major boost and will have a transformational impact over the coming decade.

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The approved outlay is nearly eight times that of the previous Khelo India Scheme, reflecting the Government’s commitment to making sports a cornerstone of youth development, nation-building and India’s emergence as a global sporting powerhouse.

The revamped scheme is designed to create a seamless pathway for every talented young Indian—from school playgrounds and village sports fields to the Olympic podium. It seeks to ensure that no sporting talent is left undiscovered because of geography, economic background or lack of opportunity.

Pathway to excellence for talented youth

The revamped Khelo India scheme also includes a comprehensive athlete development pathway which is intended to support young sportspersons right from the talent identification stage to scientific training, international competition and Olympic preparation.

The scheme establishes an integrated nationwide sports ecosystem comprising National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICoEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs), Khelo India Centres (KICs) and Youth Sports Companies (YSCs) of the Armed Forces. Together, these institutions will provide world-class coaching, sports science support and modern infrastructure across the country.

To strengthen the school sports ecosystem, the Government has introduced two new initiatives—Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV)—which will integrate sports with mainstream education and enable early identification and systematic nurturing of talented children.

Alongside the existing Khelo India Athletes programme, the revamped scheme will also create the Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category. This is intended to expand the structured athlete development ecosystem by nearly ten times, bringing thousands of additional young athletes under professional coaching, scientific support and long-term mentoring.

A strengthened nationwide talent identification framework involving Talent Identification Development Committees, Zonal Committees, Talent Scouts, High Performance Directors and High Performance Managers will ensure continuous identification, tracking and development of promising athletes across the country.

The Khelo India scheme also establishes a clear progression pathway from grassroots competitions to Khelo India, and subsequently to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), enabling deserving athletes to receive world-class training, international exposure and comprehensive support to compete for medals at the highest level.

The revamped Khelo India scheme significantly strengthens India’s domestic competition ecosystem. It supports school, university, regional and sport-specific leagues alongside national championships to provide sustained competitive exposure to young athletes.

Special emphasis has been placed on expanding opportunities for women athletes, para-athletes, indigenous sports, and sports as a tool for peace, inclusion and community development. The scheme also provides support for organising the National Games and hosting major international sporting events in India.

Improvement in coaching standards, technology and innovation

Recognising that athletes can excel only with world-class support systems, the Government will establish the National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) to standardise coaching qualifications, improve professional standards and strengthen the capacity of coaches and support staff across the country.

The Khelo India scheme also envisages a unified digital sports platform integrating athlete databases, infrastructure, competitions, coaching resources, talent assessments, funding and Fit India participation. The platform will enable data-driven planning, transparent governance and personalised athlete development.

Stronger partnerships for sporting excellence

The Government will deepen collaboration with private academies, corporate partners and other institutions to leverage investment, innovation and expertise in sports infrastructure, talent development and athlete support, creating a truly national sports ecosystem driven by both public and private participation.

Supporting India’s global sporting ambitions

To complement the revamped Khelo India Scheme, the Government has also approved a strengthened Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme for the period 2026-31. The scheme will support Indian athletes and teams through funding for coaching, sports science, modern equipment, international exposure, coaching camps, engagement of foreign experts and participation in major international competitions. It will also support sports cooperation with countries of the Global South and promote India’s indigenous sports internationally.

A national mission for Viksit Bharat

The revamped Khelo India Scheme represents one of the largest investments ever made in India’s sporting future. More than a sports programme, it is a national mission to empower young Indians with opportunity, confidence and excellence.

By creating a seamless pathway from grassroots talent to global sporting success, the scheme aims to nurture champions, inspire a culture of fitness, strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem and position the country among the world’s leading sporting nations as it moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.