On 31 July 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme and a strengthened Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) Scheme with a combined outlay of ₹36,441 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The revamped scheme seeks to create a structured pathway for athletes from grassroots sports to international competition, while expanding sports infrastructure, talent identification, coaching, sports science support and athlete development across the country.
Key Highlights:
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The Union Cabinet has approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) Scheme with a combined outlay of ₹36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
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The approved outlay is nearly eight times the allocation under the previous Khelo India Scheme.
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The scheme aims to create a seamless pathway for athletes from grassroots participation to Olympic and Paralympic competition.
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A comprehensive athlete development pathway has been introduced covering talent identification, scientific training, competition exposure and Olympic preparation.
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The scheme envisages an integrated nationwide sports ecosystem comprising:
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National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs);
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Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICoEs);
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SAI Training Centres (STCs);
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Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs);
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Khelo India Centres (KICs); and
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Youth Sports Companies (YSCs) of the Armed Forces.
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Two new initiatives, namely Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV), will be introduced to integrate sports with mainstream education and facilitate early talent identification.
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The scheme creates a new category of Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) alongside the existing Khelo India Athletes programme, expanding the structured athlete development ecosystem nearly ten-fold.
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A nationwide talent identification framework involving Talent Identification Development Committees, Zonal Committees, Talent Scouts, High-Performance Directors and High-Performance Managers will be established.
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The scheme provides a progression pathway from grassroots competitions to Khel India programmes and ultimately to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
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To strengthen competitive opportunities, the scheme supports school, university, regional and sport-specific leagues along with national championships.
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Special emphasis has been placed on women athletes, para-athletes, indigenous sports and sports-based community development initiatives.
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The scheme also provides support for conducting the National Games and hosting major international sporting events in India.
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The Fit India Movement will be expanded to promote
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Fitness
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Sports participation
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Healthy lifestyles.
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A National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) will be established to standardise coaching qualifications and strengthen professional standards in coaching and athlete support services.
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The scheme envisages a unified digital sports platform integrating athlete databases, infrastructure, competitions, coaching resources, talent assessments, funding and Fit India participation.
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The Government will encourage greater collaboration with private academies, corporate partners and other institutions in sports infrastructure, athlete development and training.
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A strengthened Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) Scheme will support athletes through funding for coaching, sports science, equipment, foreign experts, international exposure and participation in major sporting events.
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The ANSF Scheme will also support sports cooperation with countries of the Global South and promotion of indigenous Indian sports internationally.