Khelo India Revamp 2026-31: ₹36,441 Crore Sports Plan
Why in the news
The Union Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, gave its nod on 31 July 2026 to a bigger Khelo India along with a stronger ANSF scheme. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced it as the biggest sports programme since Independence.
Key facts
- Duration: the five financial years 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Combined outlay: ₹36,441 crore, close to eight times the previous cycle.
- Aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and NEP 2020; also supports Commonwealth Games and Olympic hosting plans.
- New athlete category: E-KIAs (Emerging Khelo India Athletes) beside KIAs.
- School tie-up: KIFS (Feeder Schools) and KIUV (Utkrishta Vidyalayas).
About the scheme
- Flagship of the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry to build grassroots sports culture, spot talent and create modern facilities.
- Began in 2016-17; reshaped in 2017-18 by merging three older schemes (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme, National Sports Talent Search System).
Other features
- Training ladder: NCOEs nationally, KISCEs in states, STCs of SAI, and YSCs run by the Armed Forces.
- NCAB (National Coach Accreditation Board) to standardise coach qualifications.
- One digital platform for athlete records and funding; Fit India Movement taken to remote and border areas.
Exam angle
- Nodal ministry: Youth Affairs and Sports.
- Outlay and period: ₹36,441 crore, 2026-27 to 2030-31.