Lok Sabha Question No. 3472 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Allocation of Grants for the Former Athletes
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †3472 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## Allocation of Grants for the Former Athletes

†3472 . Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that there is a limited amount left for the required training, equipment and the basic infrastructures after allocating  60  per  cent  grants  of  Khelo  India  Centres  (KICs)  for  the remuneration of former athletes;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  of  average  annual  grants  received  by  these  KICs excluding honorarium for athletes during 2022-2025;
- (c) whether any independent evaluation has been carried out to assess that these  financial  allocations  are  sufficient  for  the  operational  requirements and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government is planning to prepare a mechanism to review the current fund allocation for KICs in order to ensure that the development of infrastructure, access to quality coaching and grassroots level participation are not be compromised; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## ANSWER { DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA }

- (a) Yes, Sir. Under the Khelo India Scheme, each Khelo India Centre (KIC) is eligible for a recurring annual grant of ₹5.00 lakh per sports discipline. Of this,  a  maximum of ₹3.00 lakh is earmarked for the remuneration of Past Champion  Athletes  (PCAs)  who  are  engaged  as  coaches.  The  remaining amount  of ₹2.00  lakh  is  utilized  for  sports  equipment,  consumables,  kits, and  participation  in  competitions  or  events.  Additionally,  a  non-recurring (onetime) grant of ₹5.00 lakh per discipline is also provided for

infrastructure enhancement, procurement of equipment, CCTV installation, and minor up-gradation of training fields. (b)  The  average  annual  grant  received  by  KICs  for  each  sports  discipline, excluding the honorarium of PCAs, during the period  2022 -2025 is approximately ₹2.00 lakh , which is utilized for training, equipment, consumables and event participation. (c)  Periodic  evaluations  of  Khelo  India  Centres  are  conducted  to  assess operational effectiveness. These evaluations are carried out by designated Khelo  India  Nodal  Officers  using  a  standardized  assessment  format  that covers  parameters  such  as  fund  utilization,  quality  of  training  imparted, athlete progress,  participation  levels, and  overall functionality of  the Centre. These evaluations help ensure optimal implementation and continuous improvement. (d)  and  (e)  The  Government  regularly  reviews  fund  allocation  under  the Khelo India Scheme, including for the Khelo India Centres (KICs), to ensure that infrastructure development, access to quality coaching, and grassroots sports participation are not compromised. KICs play a key role in strengthening  the  sports  ecosystem  at  the  district  level  and  receive financial support for coaching, equipment, and operations. Fund allocation is  done through a transparent, demand-driven process based on proposals from States/UTs and eligible entities, assessed for feasibility and resource availability.  Timely  project  execution  is  monitored,  and  accountability  is ensured through audits and mandatory Utilization Certificates.

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