India, with the world's largest youth population, aims to harness this demographic for sports development. Recognizing the potential of the youth, the government merged the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA), Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS), and National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) into the "Khelo India: National Programme for Development of Sports" to encourage mass participation in sports and enhance sports infrastructure.
About Khelo India: Launched in 2017-18, Khelo India is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims to provide a platform for grassroots athletes and build sports infrastructure across India. The scheme aims to achieve mass participation and promote excellence in sports with an outlay of ₹3165.50 crore over the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).
Competitions Under Khelo India:
- Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)
- Khelo India University Games (KIUG)
- Khelo India Winter Games
These annual national sports competitions allow young athletes to showcase their skills and compete for medals.
Components of the Programme
Initially divided into 12 verticals, the scheme has been streamlined into five main components:
- Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure
- Sports Competitions and Talent Development
- Khelo India Centres and Sports Academies
- Fit India Movement
- Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports
The Khelo India Winter Games and the Fit India Movement are significant additions under these components.
Achievements of the Programme
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Events Organized:
- Three editions of Khelo India School and Youth Games, one edition of KIUG, and two editions of Khelo India Winter Games from 2017 to 2021.
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Mass Participation:
- Over 20,000 athletes participated.
- Approximately 3,000 athletes identified as Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) are currently training at Khelo India Academies and revamped Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centers.
- KIAs receive a ₹10,000 monthly allowance and support for training, equipment, diet, and education.
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Infrastructure Upgradation:
- Grants-in-aid for the construction and upgradation of sports infrastructure.
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Creating Elite Sportspersons:
- Several Khelo India athletes have been inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and are performing at international competitions.
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Financial Assistance:
- Annual financial assistance of ₹5 lakh per annum for eight years for talented players identified in priority sports disciplines.
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Promotion of Indigenous and Traditional Sports:
- Focus on promoting indigenous sports like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta, and Mallakhamba.
- Traditional games are gaining popularity and support, with potential for global reach.
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Inculcating Fitness:
- The Fit India movement promotes fitness through the Fit India mobile app, tracking fitness goals, dietary guidance, and healthy lifestyles.
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Special Focus on Girls:
- Emphasis on increasing girls' participation, with over 1.25 lakh girls participating in leagues.
Challenges
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Lack of Supporting Infrastructure:
- Inadequate facilities in schools, colleges, and universities limit young athletes' participation and performance.
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Absence of Encouragement:
- Societal preference for academic excellence over sports discourages sports participation.
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Lack of an Organized System:
- Complex talent identification and nurturing processes, with risks of favoritism and corruption.
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Gender Bias:
- Social and cultural barriers limit girls' participation in sports.
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Lack of Remuneration and Job Security:
- Insufficient financial support and job security for sportspersons.
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Administrative Issues:
- Delays in fund release, lack of coordination, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Way Forward
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Infrastructure Development:
- Invest in sports infrastructure across the country, especially in underserved areas.
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Public-Private Partnerships:
- Leverage public-private partnerships and corporate social responsibility funds for sports infrastructure.
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Sports Competitions:
- Organize more competitions at various levels to provide exposure and opportunities to young athletes.
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Khelo India Centres and Academies:
- Establish more centers and academies for quality coaching, training, equipment, and medical support.
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Fit India Movement:
- Promote the Fit India Movement as a mass campaign for physical activity and fitness.
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Promotion of Inclusiveness:
- Ensure sports are accessible and affordable to all, with special incentives for marginalized groups.
- Provide reservations, quotas, and awards to encourage participation and excellence.
By addressing these challenges and leveraging the strengths of the Khelo India Programme, India can continue to foster a robust sporting culture and achieve excellence on the global stage.
