Context

This editorial is based on the news “Khelo India: Perfect present, bright future” which was published in the Hindu. The Khelo India Games was recently concluded with resounding success.

Khelo India Programme and Its Objectives

• About: The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in our country and establishing India as a great sporting nation.
• Sports as a Unifying force with 65% of the population below 35 years.
• Career Option for youth: The Government aims to support Khelo India medal winners with job opportunities to ensure a stress-free life.

Significance of Khelo India Programme

• Wins at International Events: Since 2018, Khelo India athletes’ participation and returns from global events have been on the rise.
  • In 2022, 495 Khelo India athletes won 312 medals, marking a substantial increase from 2018 when 92 athletes won 82 medals.
• Career Prospects: Many sports persons have transitioned to coaching careers, with top coaches being promoted to high-performance coaching positions.
• Gender Equality: 
  • The ratio of men versus women athletes in the four Khelo India Games this season was almost 50:50. 
  • The Asmita Khelo India Women’s League features 17 disciplines and it has been a great success.
  • More than 63,000 women athletes have participated in more than 520 competitions in 21 sports disciplines.
  • It is an endeavour to support the National Sports Federations and the State governments to conduct Khelo India Women’s League tournaments for many age groups.

Way Forward To Sports Governance

• Provide the right environment and ecosystem to make the athletes shine: It is important to produce a system which promotes ease of living and does not give anxiety to athletes.
  • Example-More than 300 sports infrastructure projects have been approved in 34 States/UT at a cost of more than ₹3,000 crore.
• Identifying talent and nurturing them: 
  • Two tier Structure: The government has a two-tier structure consisting of a Scouting Committee and a Developmental Panel for training. 
  • Khelo India Athletes: At present, close to 2,800 athletes in 21 sports disciplines (including para sports) have been chosen as Khelo India athletes.

Conclusion

The Khelo India Programme has expanded its footprint over seven years, becoming ingrained in the aspirations of every Indian dreaming big in sports.