New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced the launch of the ‘Khelo India Mission’ while presenting the Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament, aimed at transforming India’s sports ecosystem over the next decade.
The Mission will focus on creating an integrated talent-development pathway, training coaches and support staff, incorporating sports science and technology, organising competitions and leagues, and strengthening sports infrastructure across the country.
Highlighting the sector’s potential, Sitharaman said sports offers wide opportunities for employment, skilling and careers. Building on the existing ‘Khelo India’ programme, she said the new Mission would take forward the systematic nurturing of sports talent in a structured and comprehensive manner.
According to the Finance Minister, the Mission will establish training centres at foundational, intermediate and elite levels, ensure the systematic development of coaches and support personnel, integrate modern sports science and technology, and promote a strong sports culture through regular competitions and leagues. It will also focus on developing infrastructure for training and tournaments.
The ‘Khelo India’ initiative was first proposed in 2017 to create a national platform for athletes, identify talent for advanced training and financial support, and improve sporting infrastructure across the country.
Under the programme, national-level events such as the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games and Khelo India Winter Games were launched to provide competitive exposure to young athletes representing states and universities. (Agencies)
