Top spot: On the new phase of the Khelo India Scheme

Source: The post “Top spot: On the new phase of the Khelo India Scheme”  has been created based on “Top spot: On the new phase of the Khelo India Scheme” published in “The Hindu” on 5 July 2026. Top spot: On the new phase of the Khelo India Scheme.

UPSC Syllabus: GS 2- Governance

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved ₹29,054 crore for the new phase of the Khelo India Scheme, marking an eight-fold increase in funding. The scheme aims to strengthen grassroots sports, identify talent early, and prepare India for the 2036 Olympics by creating a robust sports ecosystem.

Significance of the Revamped Khelo India Scheme

1. Strengthening Grassroots Sports

1. The scheme aims to identify sporting talent at an early age through a comprehensive grassroots development programme.
2. It seeks to increase the number of Khelo India Centres, State and National Centres of Excellence, and accredited academies from about one per district to two or three per district.

2. Expanding Sports Infrastructure

1. The scheme focuses on upgrading sports infrastructure and expanding access to quality training facilities across the country.
2. It also promotes greater participation by involving schools, sports clubs, and local institutions.

3. Improving Coaching Standards

1. The scheme proposes to upgrade the skills of local coaches by overcoming language barriers in coaching material.
2. It also envisages the establishment of a National Coach Accreditation Board to standardise coaching practices across the country.
3. Better utilisation of physical education teachers is expected to improve foundational sports training.

4. Integrating Sports with Education: The Khelo India Feeder Schools and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalaya initiatives aim to integrate education with sports in line with the National Education Policy.
5. Expanding the Athlete Base: The existing Khelo India Athletes Programme and the newly introduced Emerging Khelo India Athletes Initiative aim to expand the talent pool from around 2,900 athletes to nearly 28,000 athletes.
6. Technology-Driven Sports Ecosystem

1. The scheme proposes digitisation of the sports ecosystem to maintain comprehensive data on athletes.
2. It also seeks to establish an effective bottom-to-top communication mechanism for talent identification and athlete development.

7. Strengthening Olympic Preparation

1. The scheme complements the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) by creating a larger pipeline of athletes capable of competing at the highest level.
2. It aims to improve India’s performance at the 2036 Olympics and other international sporting events.

Challenges

1. Effective Implementation: The success of the scheme will depend on transparent, efficient, and accountable implementation across all levels.
2. Developing World-Class Athletes: India must ensure that talented athletes successfully progress from grassroots competitions to elite international performance.
3. Inadequate Sports Infrastructure: Despite increased funding, significant efforts are required to develop world-class sports infrastructure across the country.
4. Doping Concerns

1. India’s reputation as a doping hub remains a major obstacle to becoming a global sporting power.
2. Strict anti-doping measures will be essential to ensure fair competition and protect India’s sporting credibility.

5. Building a Sports Culture: A sustained sports culture needs to be promoted by maximising the reach of the Fit India Movement and encouraging wider participation in sports.
6. Immediate Performance Test: The 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad will serve as an important milestone in assessing the effectiveness of the scheme before the 2036 Olympics.

Way Forward

1. Ensure Transparent Implementation: The government should establish robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective utilisation of financial resources.
2. Upgrade Sports Infrastructure: Greater investment should be made in developing world-class training facilities, sports science support, and modern equipment across the country.
3. Strengthen Coaching Ecosystem: High-quality coach training, accreditation, and continuous skill development should be prioritised to improve athlete performance.
4. Promote Grassroots Participation: Schools, colleges, clubs, and local communities should play an active role in talent identification and sports promotion.
5. Strengthen Anti-Doping Measures: Strict enforcement of anti-doping regulations and greater awareness among athletes should be ensured to safeguard the integrity of Indian sports.
6. Focus on Long-Term Athlete Development: The government should ensure seamless progression of athletes from grassroots programmes to elite training under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme.

Conclusion: The revamped Khelo India Scheme provides India with a comprehensive framework for strengthening grassroots sports, improving coaching, expanding infrastructure, and nurturing future champions. Its success, however, will depend on effective implementation, transparent governance, strict anti-doping measures, and sustained investment in athlete development to realise India’s aspiration of emerging as a leading sporting nation by the 2036 Olympics.

Question: Discuss the significance of the revamped Khelo India Scheme in transforming India’s sports ecosystem. What challenges must be addressed to realise India’s Olympic ambitions?

Source: The Hindu