Sports play a crucial role in the overall development of a nation, promoting physical fitness, fostering a sense of discipline, and nurturing the spirit of competitiveness. Recognizing the significance of sports, the Government of India launched the ‘Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports’ Scheme in 2016. This ambitious program aims to revolutionize the sporting landscape in the country by providing comprehensive support to various aspects of sports development.
Introduction to Khelo India Programme
The Khelo India Programme is a central sector scheme implemented with the objective of promoting and nurturing sports at all levels. It is designed to identify and support young sporting talents across the nation, providing them with the necessary infrastructure, training, and financial aid to excel in their respective disciplines. The scheme aims to foster a sports culture and inculcate the values of excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship among the youth.
Promoting Rural and Indigenous Games
One of the critical sub-components of the Khelo India Programme is the ‘Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games.’ This aspect focuses on supporting sports like Mallakhamb, Kalaripayyattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Silambam, and Yogasan. The assistance provided under this component encompasses infrastructure development, equipment support, coach appointments, coach training, and athlete scholarships. By promoting these traditional sports, the government aims to preserve cultural heritage while providing opportunities for athletes from diverse backgrounds to shine on the national stage.
Khelo India Centres
To strengthen the sports ecosystem at the grassroots level, the Khelo India Programme includes the establishment of ‘Khelo India Centres.’ These centres serve as low-cost and effective sports training mechanisms. State and Union Territory (UT) Governments are encouraged to engage former sportspersons as coaches and mentors for youngsters. Additionally, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) offers employment opportunities to former athletes as coaches across various sports disciplines.
Annual Financial Assistance for Talented Athletes
Recognizing the potential of talented athletes, the Khelo India Programme’s High-Powered Committee grants annual financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per annum for eight years to athletes identified in important disciplines at various levels. This financial support allows the athletes to focus on their training and career without financial constraints, enabling them to reach new heights in their sporting journey.
Merger of Schemes
The Khelo India Programme is a merger of three existing schemes: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme, and National Sports Talent Search Scheme. By consolidating these schemes into a single program, the government aims to streamline efforts and maximize the impact on sports development across the country.
Objectives of the Khelo India Programme
The Khelo India Programme operates with two primary objectives: “Sports for Excellence” and “Sports for All.” It seeks to create a robust platform for mass youth participation in annual sports competitions through structured events. These competitions act as talent identification platforms where promising athletes are spotted and provided with the necessary resources for their growth.
The second objective is to identify and nurture sports talent through a network of sports academies, either established by the Central Government, state governments, or through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. By creating sports infrastructure at various levels, the programme ensures that athletes from different regions have access to top-notch training facilities, leveling the playing field and promoting inclusive sports development.