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The federal government’s flagship Khelo India programme to scout grassroots-level sporting expertise is ready to get a lift with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday (February 1, 2026) proposing the launch of a Khelo India mission to additionally concentrate on systemic growth of coaching centres and coaches over the subsequent decade.
Presenting the Union Budget for the 12 months 2026-27, the Minister mentioned the mission will facilitate an built-in expertise growth programme via inter-linking pathways. The Khelo India programme was launched in 2017 and its main goal was to carry nationwide stage competitions throughout age teams for expertise identification.
“Sports activities sector offers a number of technique of employment, skilling and job alternatives. Taking ahead the systematic nurturing of sports activities expertise which is ready in movement via the Khelo India programme, I suggest to launch a Khelo India mission to remodel the sports activities sector over the subsequent decade,” Sitharaman mentioned throughout her Funds speech within the Lok Sabha.
“The mission will facilitate: (a) an built-in expertise growth pathway supported by coaching centres that are foundational, intermediate and elite ranges; (b) systematic growth of coaches and assist employees; (c) integration of sports activities science and expertise; (d) competitions and leagues to advertise sports activities tradition and supply platforms; (e) growth of sports activities infrastructure for coaching and competitors.” The Finance Minister additionally mentioned India has the potential to emerge as a world hub for top of the range and inexpensive sports activities items.
Union Budget 2026-27 documents
“I proposed a devoted initiative for sports activities items that may promote manufacturing, analysis and innovation in gear design in addition to materials sciences,” she mentioned.
A Sports activities Ministry-appointed activity pressure led by nationwide Pullela Gopichand had lately advocated for a larger emphasis on constructing a pool of high-quality coaches.
It has proposed a Goal Olympic Podium Scheme for coaches to make sure that they’re offered monetary assist much like what elite athletes are getting to reinforce India’s medal prospects going ahead.
India could be internet hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Video games and can be bidding to develop into an Olympic host in 2036.
WATCH | Khelo India national mission to be launched to boost sports sector: FM
Revealed – February 01, 2026 12:50 pm IST
