Cabinet Approves Revamped Khelo India Scheme and Enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs)

Key Highlights:

• The Union Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs).
• A combined outlay of Rs. 36,441 crore has been sanctioned for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.
• This outlay is nearly eight times that of the previous Khelo India Scheme, marking it as the most ambitious sports development program since Independence.
• The scheme aims to create a seamless pathway for athletes from grassroots to the Olympic podium, aligning with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and National Education Policy 2020.
• It focuses on youth development, nation-building, and positioning India as a global sporting powerhouse, targeting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and future Olympic bids.

Detailed Insights:

• A comprehensive athlete development pathway has been established, covering talent identification, scientific training, and international competition.
• The scheme integrates a nationwide sports ecosystem including National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICoEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).
• New initiatives like Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV) will strengthen the school sports ecosystem.
• The introduction of the Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category will significantly expand the structured athlete development program.
• A clear progression pathway is defined from grassroots competitions to Khelo India events and subsequently to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
• The revamped scheme strengthens India's domestic competition ecosystem, supporting school, university, and national championships.
• Special emphasis is given to expanding opportunities for women athletes, para-athletes, indigenous sports, and using sports for social inclusion.
• The Fit India Movement will be significantly expanded to promote fitness and active lifestyles across the nation.
• The National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) will be established to standardize coaching qualifications and improve professional standards.
• A unified digital sports platform will integrate athlete databases, infrastructure, and coaching resources for data-driven planning and transparent governance.
• The enhanced ANSF Scheme will support Indian athletes and teams through funding for coaching, equipment, international exposure, and participation in major global events.
• This initiative is envisioned as a national mission to empower young Indians and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Khelo India Scheme: A national program to revive the sports culture in India by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country.
• Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF): A scheme providing financial support to National Sports Federations for athlete development, coaching, and international participation.
• Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): A flagship program to identify and support potential medal winners in Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Fit India Movement: A nationwide movement launched to encourage people to remain healthy and fit by including physical activities and sports in their daily lives.