Khelo India Gets a Massive Boost in Union Budget 2025-26

The Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development with a significant budget increase for the Khelo India program. The initiative, aimed at identifying and nurturing grassroots athletes, has received ₹1,000 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26. This is a ₹200 crore jump from last year’s ₹800 crore, highlighting the government’s focus on improving sports infrastructure and athlete training.

Major Increase in the Sports Budget

Apart from Khelo India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has seen its overall budget rise to ₹3,794.30 crore, a ₹351.98 crore increase compared to last year.

“The additional funds will be instrumental in strengthening training programs and expanding sports infrastructure across India,” said a senior government official.

Interestingly, this budget hike comes despite the absence of major international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, or Asian Games in the upcoming year. The allocation reflects a long-term vision to build a strong sports ecosystem in the country.

Increased Funding for National Sports Federations (NSFs)

To further support athlete development, the budget for National Sports Federations (NSFs) has been increased from ₹340 crore to ₹400 crore. This boost will aid in:

• Organizing high-performance training camps.
• Providing better facilities and coaching.
• Enhancing athlete exposure through international competitions.

These investments will play a crucial role in improving India’s performance at global sporting events.

Strengthening India’s Olympic Dream

India has officially submitted a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The increased funding in sports signals the government’s serious intent toward this bid.

“Hosting the Olympics will require top-tier sports infrastructure, extensive athlete training, and global-standard facilities. This budget increase is a step toward that goal,” remarked a sports analyst.

If successful, India’s Olympic bid could transform the country’s sports landscape, attracting international recognition and investment.

Focus on Grassroots Sports Development

The government’s emphasis remains on nurturing young talent through the Khelo India program. With additional funds, the initiative will:

• Establish more training centers across the country.
• Identify and support emerging athletes from rural areas.
• Provide financial aid to promising sports talent.

These efforts will ensure that budding athletes receive the support they need to compete at national and international levels.

Impact on Indian Sports

With this budget increase, India is moving toward becoming a global sporting powerhouse. The additional funding will:

• Enhance sports infrastructure across states.
• Strengthen athlete development programs.
• Improve India’s competitiveness in international events.

This financial push will significantly boost the morale of athletes, coaches, and sports federations, ensuring better performances in the future.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2025-26 has set a strong foundation for Indian sports. By increasing funding for Khelo India and NSFs, the government is not only supporting current athletes but also shaping the next generation of sports stars. As India eyes the 2036 Olympics, these investments will be key to making the country a formidable force in global sports.

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