UPSC Notes

Khelo India Scheme

PYQs

11

Articles

2

Momentum

32

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

It's a major government initiative directly impacting youth development, public health, national prestige in sports, and human resource development. It reflects the government's vision for a 'sporting nation' and its policy implementation challenges.

The Khelo India Scheme is a flagship government initiative launched in 2017 to promote sports at the grassroots level and build a strong sporting ecosystem in India. It aims to identify and nurture young talent, provide infrastructure, and support athletes from school playgrounds to international excellence, fostering a culture of sports and fitness across the nation.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Launch Year

2017 (merged Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme, National Sports Talent Search Scheme)

Primary Objectives

Mass participation, talent identification, athlete development, infrastructure creation, and promotion of sporting excellence

Revamped Phase Outlay (2026-31)

₹36,441 crore (combined with enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations)

Key Pillars

Playfield development, community coaching, state-level Khelo India Centres, annual sports competitions, talent identification & nurturing

Objective

To tap talent early for the 2036 Olympics and beyond, fostering a robust sports ecosystem.

Funding (new phase)

₹29,054 crore allocated for the new phase (2026-31), an eight-fold increase.

Key Components

Expansion of Khelo India centers, State and National Centers of Excellence, accredited academies, integration with NEP (Khelo India Feeder Schools, Utkrishta Vidyalaya), National Coach Accreditation Board, talent identification, digitisation of sports ecosystem.

Related Initiatives

Complements Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), promotes Fit India Movement, focuses on anti-doping measures.

Reference table

Types of Khelo India Games

Game TypeLaunch Year
Khelo India School Games2018
Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)2019
Khelo India University Games (KIUG)2020
Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)2020
Khelo India Para Games (KIPG)2023
Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG)2025
Khelo India Water Sports Festival2025
Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG)2026

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Conceptual areaExecutive & Council of Ministers
Conceptual areaSports Policy

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Youth Affairs and SportsImplements
Union CabinetApproves funding
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Launched in 2017 by merging three existing sports schemes.
  • Focuses on grassroots talent identification, athlete development, and sports infrastructure.
  • Includes various annual competitions like Youth, University, Para, and Winter Games.
  • Significant financial outlay approved for the expanded phase (2026-31).
  • Implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to achieve global sporting excellence.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Welfare Schemes & Social PoliciesExecutive & Council of MinistersSports Policy
Prelims 2015· Factual recall, Purpose or function of a policy tool

The Making of a Sporting Nation

03 Aug 2026 · Flagship government scheme for sports promotion, talent identification, and infrastructure development, aiming for global sporting excellence from grassroots to elite levels.

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​Top spot: On the new phase of the Khelo India Scheme

05 Aug 2026 · The Khelo India Scheme is India's primary grassroots sports development program, significantly funded to identify and nurture talent for future Olympic success, integrating sports with education and focusing on holistic athlete development and fair play.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 11 linked questions on Khelo India Scheme in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Khelo India Scheme

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