Union Cabinet Approves Rs 36,441 Crore Revamped Khelo India Scheme for 2026-31

Key Facts

• Approval Date: 31 July 2026
• Combined Financial Outlay: Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31
• Components: Revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme
• New Initiatives: Khelo India Feeder Schools and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas
• Integrated ecosystem includes National Centres of Excellence, Khelo India Centres of Excellence, and Khelo India Accredited Academies
• Focus Areas: Grassroots talent identification, athlete development, sports infrastructure, and support to National Sports Federations
• Aligned with the National Sports Policy 2025 and National Education Policy 2020
• Long-term sporting objectives include preparation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and Olympic and Paralympic Games bids

Background & Context

Khelo India is a flagship sports development programme launched by the Government of India aimed at nurturing sports talent from school and college level to elite athletes. The revamped scheme approved in 2026 has a budget nearly eight times that of its predecessor, reflecting an enhanced commitment to building a comprehensive and integrated sports ecosystem. This ecosystem comprises National Centres of Excellence that train high-performance athletes, along with Centres of Excellence and Accredited Academies supported through the scheme.

The Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme supplements athlete and team support by funding coaching, sports science, procurement of modern equipment, international exposure, and participation in major competitions. Also included is the promotion of Indian indigenous sports on the international stage. New initiatives approved under the revamped scheme include Khelo India Feeder Schools designed to identify potential sports talent early, and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas intended to merge sports training with mainstream education.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Khelo India frequently appears as a subject in examination questions related to government schemes and sports policies. Knowing the financial magnitude (Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-31), the new initiatives such as Feeder Schools and Utkrishta Vidyalayas, and structural components like National Centres of Excellence is critical. The linkages with progressive national policies—National Sports Policy 2025 and National Education Policy 2020—and India's strategic planning towards global events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and Olympics enrich the scope of questions in competitive exams.

Points to Remember

• The Khelo India Scheme was revamped and financially enhanced in July 2026 with a Rs 36,441 crore outlay over five years.
• Khelo India Feeder Schools aim to identify sports talent at the foundational level.
• Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas integrate sports with formal education to nurture athlete-students.
• National Centres of Excellence focus on training elite athletes and are a key pillar of the revamped ecosystem.
• The Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme provides funding for coaching, sports science, equipment, and international competition exposure.
• The scheme aligns with the National Sports Policy 2025 and National Education Policy 2020.
• Supports India's aspirations for major international sporting events including the 2030 Commonwealth Games and Olympic/Paralympic bids.
• Focus on promoting indigenous Indian sports internationally.
• Emerging Khelo India Athletes category expansion and strengthening of public-private partnerships are part of the scheme's future direction.