Khelo India is a national initiative by the Government of India designed to cultivate a sporting culture across the country. It aims to identify and nurture young talent, providing them with the necessary support to excel at national and international levels.
The program was launched to tap into the vast sporting potential of India, where 65% of the population is under 35. Khelo India reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to energize the nation through widespread participation in sports, making sports a unifying force.
Athletes benefit from the program through:
By incorporating indigenous sports such as Gatka, Mallakhamba, Silambam, and Kalaripayattu into the Khelo India framework, the government aims to preserve these traditions while boosting participation and awareness.
The program has facilitated the approval of over 300 sports infrastructure projects across 34 States/UTs, with an investment exceeding Rs.3,000 crore, ensuring athletes have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
A two-tier selection process involving a Scouting Committee and a Developmental Panel selects athletes based on their performances in national championships, open trials, assessment camps, and Khelo India Games.
Khelo India athletes have significantly contributed to India’s success in international arenas, including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. In 2022, 495 athletes won 312 medals, showcasing the positive trajectory of Indian sports.
The program has achieved near gender parity, with an almost equal ratio of male to female athletes. The Asmita Khelo India Women’s League, covering 17 disciplines, has seen over 63,000 women athletes compete, demonstrating the government’s commitment to women in sports.
The government aims to further expand the Khelo India initiative, enhancing sports infrastructure, nurturing talent, and fostering grassroots sports to ensure sports becomes a viable career path and strengthens India’s presence in the global sporting arena.
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