Lok Sabha Question No. 104 (STARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Khelo Bharat Niti
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Dr. K Sudhakar

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

## LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. *104 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## Khelo Bharat Niti

- *104. Dr. K Sudhakar:

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

- a) the details of the objectives of the recently launched Khelo Bharat Niti and the manner in which it is likely to help young and aspiring sportspersons in the country;
2. (b)  whether  provisions  have  been  enabled  in  Khelo  Bharat  Niti  to make  sports  inclusive  and  sports  training  affordable  for  aspiring sportspersons and if so, the details thereof;
3. (c)  the  details  of  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to financially support the aspiring sportspersons under the said initiative  along  with  the  support  given  to  various  small  clubs  to promote sports especially in rural and semi urban areas; and
4. (d) the details regarding the status of India's bid to host the Olympic games?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

- (a) to (d) : A statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *104 FOR ANSWER ON 28/07/2025 REGARDING 'KHELO BHARAT NITI' BY DR. K SUDHAKAR, HON'BLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

- (a): The Government has launched recently the Khelo Bharat Niti2025 on 01.07.2025, which aims at building a strong, inclusive, and performance-driven sports ecosystem in India. The vision of the Niti is  "Sports  for  Nation  Building  -  Harness  the  Power  of  Sports  for Nation's  Holistic  Development".    To  realize  this  vision,  the  Niti focuses on several key objectives, which are given below:
- (i) Establish comprehensive sports programs for all participation groups, from grassroots to elite    levels.
- (ii) Organize  sports competitions and leagues at various levels, creating  a robust competitive structure.
- (iii) Implement physical literacy initiatives to promote a culture of sports and physical activity.
- (iv) Develop  a  robust  talent identification  and  development system to nurture future champions.
- (v) Ensure equitable access to sports infrastructure across the country.
- (vi) Provide  athlete-centric  support  systems  for  the  holistic development of sportspersons.
- (vii) Promote sports science, medicine and innovation to enhance performance and well-being.
- (viii) Strengthen governance and institutional frameworks in  the sports sector.
- (ix) Revamp funding mechanisms to ensure sustainable development of sports.
- (x) Foster  economic  growth  through  sports-related  industries and activities.
- (xi) Promote social development and inclusion through sports.
- (xii) Establish sports as a viable career option for youth.
- (xiii) Encourage mass participation in sports and fitness activities for a healthier nation.
- (xiv) Develop  a  robust  mechanism  to  reward  and  recognize
- champion athletes as well as retired athletes.
- (xv) Develop a framework and guidelines for educational institutions  to  act  as  feeder  institutes  to  impart sporting culture.
- (b): Yes,  Sir.  The  Khelo  Bharat  Niti  includes  provisions  to  make sports inclusive and affordable. It focuses on bridging the rural-urban gap by improving access to sports training and facilities for athletes from all backgrounds, including women, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker sections. The policy emphasizes the integration of sports with school curricula, community participation, and  partnerships  with  stakeholders  to  reduce  training  costs  and increase outreach.
- (c): 'Sports' being a State subject, the responsibility for promotion and development of sports, including to extend financial support to aspiring sportspersons/local sports clubs in order to promote sports in  rural  and  semi-urban  areas,  rests  primarily  with  the  respective State/Union Territory (UT) Governments. However, the Union Government supplements their efforts through its various schemes/programmes viz., (i) Khelo India Scheme (ii) Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) (iii) Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme  (iv) Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay  National Welfare  program  for  Sportspersons  (v)  Scheme  of  sports  fund  for Pension  to  Meritorious  Sportspersons,  and  (vi)  Scheme  of  Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches. Details of all these schemes are available in public domain on the website of this Ministry at https://yas.nic.in/sports/schemes .
- (d): Bidding to host the Olympic Games in India is the responsibility of  the  Indian  Olympic  Association  (IOA)  and  allotment  of  hosting rights for the  Olympics  is  done  by  the  International  Olympic Committee (IOC) through a detailed host selection process. IOA in that process has submitted India's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. The bid has now moved to the 'Continuous Dialogue' phase with the IOC.

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