Khelo India Scheme from Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports promotes inclusiveness through sports by supporting women athletes, para-athletes, indigenous games and youth living in border and conflict-affected areas. In July 2026, Union Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme with a combined outlay of ₹36,441 crore for the 2026-27 to 2030-31 period, which is nearly eight times the earlier budget. This new version keeps inclusiveness as a main pillar while adding a clearer pathway for young sportspersons.
The revamped scheme was approved on 31 July 2026 and runs from 2026-27 to 2030-31. It builds on the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and National Education Policy 2020, and links sports with education, fitness, technology and high performance training. Special emphasis has been placed on expanding opportunities for women athletes, para-athletes, indigenous sports and sports as a tool for peace, inclusion and community development. The same focus areas that formed the Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports component continue under the new structure.
Khelo India Scheme: Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports - Introduction
This component of Khelo India Scheme works to bring national integration, community health and social equity through sports. It runs targeted interventions for women, persons with disabilities, rural and indigenous communities and youth in disturbed areas. Under the revamped scheme, the government has set up an integrated nationwide sports ecosystem that includes National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICoEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs), Khelo India Centres (KICs) and Youth Sports Companies (YSCs) of the Armed Forces. These institutions give modern coaching, sports science support and infrastructure across the country.
Two new school-level initiatives, Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV), have been added to bring sports into mainstream education and catch talent early. A new Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category has also been created alongside the existing Khelo India Athletes programme, which is expected to expand the structured athlete development system by nearly ten times. A National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) will standardise coaching qualifications, and a unified digital sports platform will bring together athlete data, competitions, coaching resources and funding in one place.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Khelo India Scheme: Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
| Outlay | ₹36,441 crore (2026-27 to 2030-31) |
| Benefit Type | Financial support and infrastructure |
| Target Group | Women, para-athletes, indigenous and rural communities, NGOs and government bodies |
| Official Website | kheloindia.gov.in |
Benefits
The inclusiveness component delivers support across four main areas, and the revamped scheme keeps these benefits while adding more competition and training opportunities. Women athletes, para-athletes and players of indigenous games get access to coaching, equipment, competitions and travel support.
Sports for Peace and Development
- Funds for sports competitions in border and conflict-hit areas, helping youth in these regions come together through sport.
- Access to professional coaches, sports equipment and training support for the participants.
- Support for travel, boarding and lodging of players taking part in these competitions.
Promotion of Rural and Indigenous Games
- Grants for national and local level competitions for traditional sports such as Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta and Silambam.
- Integration of these games into the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme to spread awareness across states.
- The first edition of Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 has been organised to promote tribal sports like archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting and wrestling.
Promotion of Sports for Persons with Disabilities
- Creation of specialised infrastructure and athlete classification facilities for para-sports.
- Training for coaches and development of nutrition programmes for para-athletes.
- Support for national and international para-sports events, with a pathway to the Paralympic Games.
Eligibility
Organisations that are actively working to promote sports among women, persons with disabilities, indigenous communities or youth in disturbed areas can apply for support. The scheme accepts proposals from government bodies and registered organisations.
- State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, Sports Authority of India and recognised sports federations can submit proposals.
- Registered NGOs working in the target segments are also eligible to apply.
- Organisations must send their proposal through the prescribed appraisal process to receive grant support.
Application Process
Applications for the inclusiveness component are handled through the State or Union Territory Sports Department. The process is explained below in clear steps.
STEP 1 - Identify the specific sub-component and activity that matches the scheme goals, such as women's sports, para-sports or indigenous games.
STEP 2 - Prepare a detailed proposal along with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) covering the activity, budget and expected outcomes.
STEP 3 - Submit the proposal to the Sports Department of the respective State or Union Territory.
STEP 4 - The Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) reviews the application and checks whether it meets the scheme rules.
STEP 5 - The Departmental Project Approval Committee (DPAC) evaluates the proposal and gives final approval.
STEP 6 - Once approved, funds are sanctioned and released for the activity. For the latest updates and any online submission facility, visit the official website at kheloindia.gov.in.
Documents
Applicants need to keep the following documents ready while preparing their proposal.
- Detailed Project Report (DPR).
- Proof of organisation registration.
- Recommendation letter from the State Sports Department.
- Comprehensive budget estimate.
- Projected sports infrastructure or activity details.
- Bank account details of the implementing agency.
References
- Official Khelo India Scheme Operational Guidelines
- PIB Press Release on Revamped Khelo India Scheme
- Official Khelo India Website
- Khelo India Tribal Games 2026
FAQ's
What is the primary goal of this scheme component?
The scheme aims to improve social inclusion and gender equity by increasing sports participation among women, para-athletes and rural and tribal communities.
Which traditional games are eligible for support?
The scheme supports indigenous games including Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta and Silambam, along with tribal games under Khelo India Tribal Games.
How can an organisation apply for funding?
Applicants must submit a detailed proposal through their State or Union Territory Department of Sports, which is then reviewed by the Project Appraisal Committee.
Is there a fixed amount of financial assistance available?
No fixed amount is set. Funding is decided on a case by case basis by the Departmental Project Approval Committee after studying the submitted proposal.
Are scholarships available for women coaches?
Yes, the scheme provides opportunities for scholarships to support women pursuing professional sports coaching courses.