Rural and indigenous/tribal games have been identified under ‘Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games’ component of Khelo India Scheme

Source: The post is based on the article “Rural and indigenous/tribal games have been identified under ‘Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games’ component of Khelo India Scheme” published in PIB on 26th July 2022

What is the News?

Union Minister of Sports has informed that a number of rural and indigenous/tribal games have been identified under the ‘Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games’ component of Khelo India Scheme.

What steps have been taken by the Government of India to promote indigenous games?

There are a number of indigenous sports being played in different States as per their culture and tradition. 

Sports is a state subject. The responsibility to promote indigenous sports in the country and conduct special training programmes rests primarily with the respective State/Union Territory Governments.

The Union Government supplements their efforts. For instance, the Sports Ministry runs a Central Sector Scheme, namely, the Khelo India Scheme. One of the components of the scheme is the ‘Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games’.

This component is specifically dedicated to the development and promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games in the country. 

Indigenous games of Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Yogasana and Silambam have been identified for promotion under this component. 

Grants are sanctioned for infrastructure development, equipment support, the appointment of coaches, training of coaches and scholarships under this Component.