The proposed 𝐊𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 aims to transform India’s sports sector over the next decade by strengthening talent pathways, coach development, sports science, competitions and sports infrastructure nationwide: Finance Minister @nsitharaman… pic.twitter.com/4RZqRHbEGy
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 1, 2026
The Central government's flagship 'Khelo India' programme to scout grassroots-level sporting talent is set to get a boost with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposing the launch of a Khelo India Mission with the primary objective of focusing on systemic development of training centres and coaches over the next decade.
Presenting the Union Budget for the year 2026-27, the minister said the Khelo India mission will facilitate an integrated talent development programme through inter-linking pathways.
The PIB later said that the Khelo India Mission will facilitate:
- Integrated talent development pathway, supported by training centres
- Systematic development of coaches and support staff
- Integration of sports science and technology
- Competitions and leagues to promote sports culture
- Development of sports infrastructure for training and competition
"Sports sector provides multiple means of employment, skilling and job opportunities. Taking forward the systematic nurturing of sports talent which is set in motion through the Khelo India programme, I propose to launch a Khelo India mission to transform the sports sector over the next decade," Nirmala Sitharaman was quoteda as saying by news agency PTI during her Budget speech in the Lok Sabha.
"The mission will facilitate: (a) an integrated talent development pathway supported by training centres which are foundational, intermediate and elite levels; (b) systematic development of coaches and support staff; (c) integration of sports science and technology; (d) competitions and leagues to promote sports culture and provide platforms; (e) development of sports infrastructure for training and competition."
The Finance Minister also said India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for high quality and affordable sports goods.
"I proposed a dedicated initiative for sports goods that will promote manufacturing, research and innovation in equipment design as well as material sciences," PTI quoted her as saying.
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A Sports Ministry-appointed task force led by national Pullela Gopichand had recently advocated for a greater emphasis on building a pool of high-quality coaches.
It has proposed a Target Olympic Podium Scheme for coaches to ensure that they are provided financial support similar to what elite athletes are getting to enhance India's medal prospects going forward.
The Khelo India programme was launched in 2017 and its primary objective was to hold national level competitions across age groups for talent identification.
