Lok Sabha Question No. 2160 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-09
Subject: Initiatives under Khelo India Scheme
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2160 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2024

Initiatives under Khelo India Scheme

2160.   SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:

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

(a) the details of the Khelo India Scheme, including its objectives and key components  aimed  at  promoting  sports  and  physical  fitness  among  the youth;

(b)  whether  specific  initiatives  under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme  are  being implemented to identify and nurture young talent in sports, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas and if so, the details thereof;

- (c)  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  assess  the  effectiveness  of  the Khelo  India  Scheme  in  increasing  participation  in  sports  and  improving athletic performance at both national and international levels;

(d) the number of beneficiaries and sports programmes supported under the Khelo India Scheme since its inception within Tamil Nadu; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to enhance infrastructure and facilities  for  sports  training  and  competitions  in  schools  and  communities as part of the Khelo India initiative?

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

(a) The 'Khelo India - National Programme for Development of Sports' was launched  in  2016-17  with  the  twin  objective  of  mass  participation  and promotion of excellence across the country. The scheme was revamped and approved for three years, from 2017-18 to 2019-20 at a financial outlay of Rs. 1756 crore. The scheme received an interim extension for one year up to 2020-21 with a budget of Rs. 328.77 crore and has been revised again and extended for an additional five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26 at financial

outlay of Rs. 3790.50 crore. The key components of the scheme include the following:

- i. Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure
- ii. Sports Competitions and Talent Development
- iii. Khelo India Centres and Sports Academies
- iv. Fit India Movement
- v. Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports.

The  components  mentioned  above  includes  the  playfield  development, community coaching programs, scholarships for talented athletes, promotion of rural and indigenous sports, support for women in sports, and leveraging  sports  for  peace  and  development.  The  scheme  seeks  to integrate  sports  into  the  daily  lives  of  citizens  and  establish  India  as  a global sporting powerhouse.

- (b) Under the component, 'Sports Competition and Talent Development' of the  Khelo  India  Scheme,  talented  sportspersons  nationwide  including  in rural areas are identified as a Khelo India Athlete (KIA). Selection of these athletes is  based on their outstanding performance in events such as the Khelo India Games,  National Championships, and through open and transparent  selection  trials  organized  by  the  relevant  National  Sports Federations and the School Games Federation of India. Further, Under the component  'Khelo  India  Centres  &  Sports  Academies'  of  Khelo  India Scheme, the identified talents are given option to join the accredited Khelo India academies and also provided financial assistance of Rs. 6.28 Lakh per annum [including Rs 1.20 Lakh as Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA)] towards training expenses, coaching, competitions exposure, education, equipment support, scientific support etc.
- (c) The Khelo India Scheme identifies and nurtures talent through its Khelo India Talent Development program by supporting athletes across 21 sports including para-athletics, based on specific guidelines and benchmarks. As on  date,  2781  Khelo  India  Athletes  (KIAs)  have  been  identified  under  the Scheme, who are provided support through coaching, equipment, medical care,  and  a  monthly  Out  of  Pocket  Allowance  (OPA).  The  KIAs  training  at various National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) under the Sports Authority of India and other accredited academies are continuously strengthening the Nation's sports talent pool. At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, 124 out of 644 Indian athletes were KIAs, and they contributed significantly by winning 42 out of India's 106 medals, including 9 Gold medals. For the Paris  2024  Olympics,  28  KIAs  were  part  of  the  Indian  contingent  of  117 athletes, highlighting the program's ongoing success and the critical role of KIAs in enhancing India's performance in national and international sports events.

(d) The total number of athletes under various components of Khelo India, in the State of Tamil Nadu are as under:

| S. N.   | Khelo India Components   |   No. of Athletes |
|---------|--------------------------|-------------------|
| 1       | KIC                      |              1558 |
| 2       | KISCE                    |                61 |
| 3       | KIAA                     |                36 |
| Total   | Total                    |              1655 |

The details can be found in the URL: https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/khelo-india-center-dashboard

(e) Under the 'Creation and upgradation of sports infrastructure' component of  the  Khelo  India  Scheme,  this  Ministry  renders  financial  support  for creation  of  basic  sports  infrastructure  such  as  sports  complex,  synthetic athletic  tracks,  synthetic  hockey  fields,  synthetic  turf  football  grounds, multipurpose  halls,  swimming  pools,  etc.  along  with  sports  equipment across  the  country.  The  details  of  the  sports  infrastructure  sanctioned under Khelo India Scheme are available in public domain on the dashboard of the Ministry at https://mdsd.kheloindia.gov.in. Further, State-wise details of  Khelo  India  Athletes,  Khelo  India  Centres  and  Accredited  Academies under the Khelo India Scheme, are also available in the public domain at https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/state-wise-khelo-india-centers.

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