1 week ago
Revamped Khelo India Scheme Called Gamechanger for Indian Sports
Jwala Gutta said the new Khelo India Scheme could greatly improve sports in India.
She said government support helped her become a successful player.
The scheme will run from 2026 to 2031.
It has ₹29,054 crore to spend, which is eight times more than the earlier allocation.
It also plans to help 10 times more athletes.
The program will support children, coaches, academies, sports facilities and technology.
S Hima Bindu said it could create a clear path from beginner sports to the Olympics.
In Telangana, 33 centres already help more than 601 athletes.
Jwala Gutta called the revamped Khelo India Scheme a potential gamechanger for Indian sports.
The 2026–31 scheme has an allocation of ₹29,054 crore, eight times the previous funding.
The scheme aims to support 10 times more athletes through grassroots development and Olympic pathways.
Its focus areas include talent identification, coaching, academies, infrastructure and sports technology.
Telangana has 33 notified Khelo India Centres supporting more than 601 athletes through Past Champion Athletes.
- Who
- Jwala Gutta, S Hima Bindu, the Government of India and athletes supported by the Khelo India Scheme.
- What
- The revamped Khelo India Scheme was described as a potential gamechanger for Indian sports.
- Where
- The scheme is intended for sports development in India, including Telangana.
- When
- The scheme covers 2026–31; Gutta made the comments on Friday.
- Why
- It aims to strengthen grassroots development, identify talent, improve coaching, expand academies, develop infrastructure and use sports technology.
Key facts
- Scheme period
- 2026–31
- Total allocation
- ₹29,054 crore
- Increase over previous allocation
- Eight-fold
- Athlete support target
- 10 times more athletes
- Telangana centres
- 33 notified Khelo India Centres
- Athletes supported in Telangana
- More than 601 through Past Champion Athletes
- Key focus areas
- Grassroots development, talent identification, coaching, academies, infrastructure and sports technology
Quotes
S Hima Bindu
Sports Authority of India deputy director
“The grassroots to Olympic excellence pathway has been well thought through. The scheme addresses gaps in the system and the formation of a coaches’ board will help uplift the way a child plays sport. The academy structure will be bolstered and there are adequate funds to boost infrastructure and sports technology.”
thehansindia.com
“I am a government product myself and without its support I would not have achieved whatever I have as a player. In its new avatar, the Khelo India Scheme looks extremely promising. With its thrust on grassroots development and sustainability, parents will feel very secure to send their children to play a sport.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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