Centre Approves Projects Worth Rs. 3073.97 Crore Under Khelo India Scheme

NEW DELHI: The Government of India has approved a total of 323 new sports infrastructure projects under the Khelo India Scheme, amounting to Rs. 3073.97 crore, according to a written reply to the Rajya Sabha given by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday.

The Khelo India National Programme for the Development of Sports, which was instituted in 2016-17, seeks to nurture mass participation and excellence in sports at all levels across the country. It was approved with an initial financial outlay of Rs. 1756 crore for three years in the period from 2017-20. This scheme has since been extended and revised several times, the latest extension being up to 2021-2026, with an allocation of Rs. 3790.50 crore.

Mandaviya pointed out the major achievements of the scheme, such as the establishment of 1041 Khelo India Centres (KICs) for training children and enhancing grassroots sports infrastructure. Besides, 32 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) have been notified, and 301 sports academies are now accredited.

The Khelo India Scheme also supports 2781 athletes with coaching, equipment, medical care, and a monthly Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA). These efforts, according to Mandaviya, have positively impacted sports development since the facilities are open to all citizens in the country.

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