Khelo India Programme Gets Significant Budget Boost: India Eyes Olympic Glory
New Delhi: In its Union Budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated a substantial Rs 351.98 crore increase for the Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports, with a focus on nurturing athletes at the grassroots level.
The significant hike is a major boost for the government's flagship Khelo India programme, which aims to scout and develop talented athletes across the country. The programme has been allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the financial year 2025-26, an increase of Rs 200 crore from last year's grant of Rs 800 crore.
The total allocation for the Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports has been designated at Rs 3,794.30 crore. The assigned amount for assistance to National Sports Federations has also seen a marginal hike, from Rs 340 crore to Rs 400 crore.
India is currently pushing forward with its ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, which was submitted as a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee last year. As part of this effort, the contribution to the National Sports Development Fund has been allocated at Rs 18 crore for the second consecutive year.
However, not all areas have seen an increase in funding. The grant for incentive to sportspersons has been reduced from Rs 42.65 crore to Rs 37 crore, while cuts were announced for the National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development and Youth Hostels.
A significant portion of the increased budget is earmarked for the National Service Scheme (NSS), which will receive an allocation of Rs 450 crore, a hike of Rs 200 crore from last year. The NSS aims to develop character and personality in youth through educational initiatives.
The substantial increase in funding for sports-related bodies and infrastructure is seen as a major boost for India's sporting ambitions. While no major international sporting events are scheduled for the next year, the allocation is significant nonetheless, reflecting the government's commitment to promoting athletic development and growth in the country.