Lok Sabha Question No. 3550 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Inclusive Sports for Differently-Abled Youth
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Baijayant Panda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3550

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

Inclusive Sports for Differently-Abled Youth

3550.  Shri Baijayant Panda:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a) the current reach of schemes like Khelo India Para Sports for differentlyabled youth across States and districts;
- (b) the assessments done on barriers faced by differently-abled athletes;
- (c)  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  introduce  adaptive sports technologies and coach training under these schemes; and
- (d)  whether there is a proposal by the Government to increase funding or partnerships to expand inclusive sports nationwide with clear targets?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA }

(a)  to  (d)  Under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme,  the  Government  is  actively promoting inclusive sports by supporting talented differently-abled athletes through specialized training, coaching, international exposure, and access to  world-class  facilities.  A  total  of  83  para-athletes  have  been  identified under the scheme, each receiving ₹6.28 lakh annually, including a ₹10,000 monthly out-of-pocket allowance. To provide inclusive competitive opportunities,  the  Ministry  organizes  Khelo  India  Para  Games  alongside other national-level events. The 2nd edition of Khelo India Para Games, held in March 2025 in New Delhi, featured over 1,200 athletes across six parasports disciplines.

The  Government  has  taken  several  steps  to  promote  the  adoption  of adaptive  sports  technologies  and  enhance  coach  training  for  differentlyabled athletes. Sports Authority of India (SAI) has established a dedicated Para Sports Centre under the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) scheme

at  its  Regional  Centre  in  Gandhinagar.  This  centre  currently  provides specialized training in Athletics, Swimming, Powerlifting, and Table Tennis for para-athletes. In addition, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has  established  a  Center  for  Disability  Sports  in  Gwalior,  equipped  with state-of-the-art  training  amenities  tailored  for  differently-abled  athletes. Furthermore, all sports facilities are mandated to adhere to the guidelines outlined in "Accessible Sports Complex and Residential Facilities for Sports Persons  with  Disabilities,"  ensuring  comfort  and  accessibility  for  athletes with  disabilities.  Further,  under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme  and  through  the support  of  the  Sports  Authority  of  India  (SAI),  customized  equipment  and training aids are being provided. Additionally, specialized training modules for  coaches  in  para-sports  are  being  developed  in  collaboration  with recognized sports federations.

The Government has approved the National Sports Policy 2025 (Khelo Niti 2025),  which  aims  to  promote  inclusive  sports  across  the  country.  The policy  encourages  increased  funding  and  partnerships,  including  publicprivate partnerships and CSR initiatives, to support participation of women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities. It also provides for clear  targets  through  state-level  alignment,  Key  Performance  Indicators (KPIs), and regular monitoring mechanisms.

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