New Delhi: In this year’s Union Budget 2026–27, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a revamped Khelo india Mission, designed as a ten‑year roadmap to transform India’s sports ecosystem. The proposal aims to take the country’s sporting landscape beyond short‑term schemes, laying the foundation for sustained excellence, professionalisation and broad‑based participation across the nation.

The initiative builds on the existing Khelo India programme, which was introduced in 2016 to promote grassroots sports through talent identification and development. Under the new decade‑long mission, the government seeks to expand and deepen this system into a full‑fledged sports development framework covering training, infrastructure, coaching, sports science and competitive opportunities.

Key Goals of the Mission

According to government announcements, the Khelo india Mission will focus on several core objectives:

Integrated Talent Development: Establish a structured pathway for athletes from grassroots levels to elite performance, helping identify and nurture talent systematically.

Coaching and Support Staff: Expand training and certification for coaches, support personnel, physiotherapists and other key professionals essential to modern sports ecosystems.

Sports Science and Technology: Promote the use of modern sports science, analytics, nutrition and performance research to enhance training outcomes and competitive edge.

Competitions and Leagues: Facilitate regular competitions, leagues and structured events to create competitive opportunities across age groups and disciplines.

Infrastructure Development: Improve access to quality sports infrastructure — training centres, playing fields, equipment and facilities — across urban and rural areas.

Why the Decade Plan Matters

Finance minister Sitharaman highlighted that the Khelo india Mission is not just about medals or one‑off successes. It is intended to institutionalise sports development in india and make the sector a significant engine of employment, talent cultivation and economic activity over the next decade. The mission reflects a shift toward professionalisation and long‑term planning, moving beyond episodic events toward continuous growth.

Experts and policymakers have pointed out that creating a robust sports ecosystem can generate jobs not only for athletes but also for coaches, sports scientists, physiotherapists, sports management professionals, event organisers and equipment manufacturers — helping the sector evolve as a significant contributor to the economy.

Strategic Context

The announcement also data-aligns with India’s broader ambitions on the global sporting stage, including hosting major multi‑sport events like the Commonwealth Games 2030 and a potential bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. By setting a ten‑year horizon, the government aims to significantly boost both grassroots participation and elite performance, helping india compete more consistently at international events.

In summary, the Khelo india Mission proposed in the Budget 2026 is a comprehensive and long‑term initiative that seeks to transform the sports sector, integrate modern sports science, expand training systems, and build a sustainable ecosystem that supports both athletes and the broader sports industry in India.

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