Lok Sabha Question No. 5889 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-30
Subject: Revival and Promotion of Traditional Sports
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Navaskani K, Shri Selvam G, Shri C N Annadurai

## Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

## Government of India Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5889

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026

## Revival and Promotion of Traditional Sports

5889. SHRI NAVASKANI K: SHRI C N ANNADURAI: SHRI SELVAM G:

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

- (a) whether the Government has undertaken any mapping or documentation  of  indigenous  sports  practised  under  the  Khelo  India initiative in the villages of Tamil Nadu, including traditional disciplines, such  as  Silambam,  Sadugudu  and  other  rural  athletic  activities  along with the details of support extended for their revival and standardisation;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  participation  of  youth from  aspirational,  tribal  and  drought-prone  districts  of  Tamil  Nadu  in Khelo  India  competitions,  training  centres  and  talent  scouting  camps and if so, the details thereof, district-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any steps to establish or support Khelo  India  Centres,  training  hubs  or  community  sports  infrastructure dedicated to indigenous games and martial traditions in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether  the Government  proposes  to  introduce demonstration leagues, school competitions or national festivals dedicated to traditional  Tamil  sports  under  the  said  initiative  and  if  so,  the  details thereof along with the timeline therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS [ DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA ]

(a) to (d) 'Sports' being a State subject, the responsibility for development of sports, including taking steps or formulating policies for the preservation, promotion and development of traditional and indigenous sports, creation of infrastructure, providing financial assistance to athletes and coaches, allocation and utilisation of funds, promoting awareness and popularising traditional and indigenous Indian sports, and expanding initiatives for the promotion of traditional sports, rests  primarily  with  the  respective  State/Union  Territory  Governments. The  Union  Government  supplements  their  efforts  by  bridging  critical gaps.  However,  the  Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  and  Sports  is  promoting indigenous, rural and tribal games under the Khelo India Scheme through the  sub-component  'Promotion  of  Rural/Indigenous  and  Tribal  Games'. Under  this  sub-component,  traditional  disciplines  are  identified  and supported for revival, preservation and wider participation. Silambam, a traditional martial art of Tamil Nadu, has been recognized as one of the supported indigenous games, along with disciplines such as Mallakhamb,  Kalaripayattu,  Yogasana,  Gatka  and  Thang-Ta.  Financial assistance is also extended to State Governments, educational institutions, local sports bodies and community organizations for conduct of competitions, training, awareness  activities and other promotional efforts relating to indigenous games.

Through  the  Khelo  India  Scheme,  a  total  of  1066  Khelo  India  Centres (KICs)  have  been  notified  across  36  States/UTs,  including  39  KICs  in Tamil Nadu to strengthen training at the district level. This includes a dedicated  KIC  for  Mallakhamb  in  the  Viluppuram  district  to  nurture traditional talent, training 63 athletes. Nationwide, 258 KICs have been established  across  174  priority  tribal  districts  to  ensure  that  remote talent has access to quality coaching.

Traditional  games  are  also  promoted  through  national  platforms  under Khelo India and Fit India. In this context, Silambam was showcased as a demonstration  sport  during  the  Khelo  India  Youth  Games  2023  held  in Tamil  Nadu.  Inclusion  of  indigenous  disciplines  in  demonstration  or competitive  formats  in  Khelo  India  events  is  considered  from  time  to time with a view to preserving and promoting India's traditional sporting heritage.

The  details  of  various  sports  facilities  under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme, such  as  Sports  Infrastructure,  Khelo  India  Centres  (KIC),  Khelo  India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE) and Khelo India Accredited Academies  (KIAA)  along  with  Khelo  India  Athletes  (KIA),  across  the

country, including in the State of Tamil Nadu, are available in the public domain on the dashboard of the Ministry at https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in.

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