Big push for sports funding
The Union Cabinet has approved a total outlay of ₹36,441 crore to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem over the next five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The move is positioned as part of the Centre’s effort to develop India into a global “sports powerhouse”.
Allocation for Khelo India and federations
Of the total, ₹29,054 crore has been earmarked for an expanded Khelo India programme, while ₹7,387 crore has been set aside to support National Sports Federations. The government said the expanded Khelo India plan carries an eight-fold increase in funding.
New school-focused initiatives
Khelo India, launched in 2017, currently supports around 2,800 athletes with structured coaching, nutrition and scholarships. Two new initiatives—Khelo India “Feeder” Schools and Khelo India “Utkrishta Vidyalaya”—are set to be introduced, with an emphasis on combining education with sports and identifying talent early.
Focus on transparency and wider talent scouting
Support to federations is expected to help athletes access modern equipment and participate in international competitions, with priority for women and para-athletes. The government also said information will be integrated digitally to improve transparency, and a new programme for “emerging Khelo India athletes” will expand the pool of athletes and coaches, with regional committees scouting talent across the country, including rural school grounds.
