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Union Cabinet Approves Revamped Khelo India Scheme for 2026–31
The Union Cabinet approves a revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) for 2026–27 to 2030–31. The revamped scheme provides for a continuous athlete pathway from grassroots talent identification to international competitions and Olympic participation, and aligns with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and NEP 2020.
Revamped Khelo India Scheme (2026–27 to 2030–31):
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Approving authority | The revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) are approved by the Union Cabinet. |
| Period of implementation | The revamped scheme applies to the period 2026–27 to 2030–31. |
| Financial allocation | The financial allocation is nearly 8 times larger than the previous Khelo India programme. |
| Athlete pathway | The scheme provides for a continuous pathway for athletes from grassroots-level talent identification to international competitions and Olympic participation. |
| Policy alignment | The scheme aligns with the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. |
| Sports preparation linkage | The initiative supports India’s preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and aspirations to host future Olympic and Paralympic Games. |
| Major components and purposes | The scheme comprises these components and purposes: National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) for high-performance training; Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICoEs) for regional talent development; Sports Authority of India Training Centres (STCs) for scientific coaching support; Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs) for advanced training facilities; Khelo India Centres (KICs) for grassroots development; Youth Sports Companies (YSCs) for sports training within the armed forces. |
| Fit India Movement | The scheme provides for expansion of the Fit India Movement. |
| Priority athlete categories and sports | The scheme provides for greater support for women athletes, para-athletes, and indigenous sports. |
| Unified digital sports platform | The scheme provides for creation of a unified digital sports platform integrating athlete data, competitions, infrastructure, coaching resources, and funding mechanisms. |
| Collaboration | The scheme provides for increased collaboration with private institutions and corporate partners. |
| TOPS pathway | The scheme provides for strengthening of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) pathway. |