Khelo India Scheme: Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure

Khelo India Scheme supports the development and upgradation of sports infrastructure across India by providing financial support for modern sports facilities, scientific equipment and specialised infrastructure to eligible entities. In July 2026 the Union Cabinet approved a revamped and expanded Khelo India Scheme for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31, keeping the sports infrastructure component at the centre of the programme.

Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure is a key part of the Khelo India Scheme run by the Department of Sports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. It helps bridge gaps in sports infrastructure by creating new sports facilities (Greenfield) or upgrading existing ones (Brownfield). The scheme focuses on building inclusive, sustainable and community-oriented sports facilities, including support for sports science and good quality equipment.

Khelo India Scheme: Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure - Introduction

The revamped Khelo India Scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 31 July 2026 with a combined outlay of about ₹36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31, which also includes the strengthened Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme. The Khelo India Scheme itself was notified on 10 August 2026 with a total outlay of ₹29,054 crore for the same period, of which ₹28,489 crore is the Central share and ₹565 crore is the State and Union Territory share.

Under the new framework, the sports infrastructure component is taken forward through the State Action Plan for Sports Infrastructure Development. The scheme now runs on a nine-component framework covering sports infrastructure, competitions and leagues, talent identification, coach development, training facilities, the Fit India Movement and sports technology. Infrastructure projects are being tracked on the official Khelo India dashboard, and online application submission for sports infrastructure projects is available through the official portal.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme provides financial support for building and upgrading sports facilities. Key funding benchmarks include:

• Synthetic Athletic Tracks: Up to ₹9.50 crore for an 8-lane track or ₹6.50 crore for a 4-lane track.
• Hockey Infrastructure: Up to ₹8.00 crore for a synthetic field with lighting, ₹6.50 crore for a standard synthetic field, or ₹2.60 crore for a natural field.
• Football Infrastructure: Up to ₹6.00 crore for synthetic turf or ₹3.20 crore for a natural field.
• Multipurpose Sports Halls: Funding ranges from ₹1.75 crore to ₹14.00 crore depending on size specifications.
• Swimming Pools: Up to ₹8.00 crore for all-weather pools, and ₹6.50 crore or ₹3.50 crore for standard pools.
• Other Facilities: Up to ₹6.00 crore for squash courts, ₹1.50 crore for lawn tennis, or ₹1.50 crore for archery ranges.

Eligible entities may also receive grants for sports science infrastructure and specialised equipment. All facilities must remain open to the local community, students and sports associations.

Eligibility

Financial support is available to the following entities:

• State Governments and Union Territory administrations.
• State Sports Councils and State Sports Authorities.
• State and Central Government universities and colleges.
• Schools under the Central Government.
• Sports Control Boards of Central Ministries.
• Defence and Paramilitary organisations.
• Sports Authority of India (SAI).
• Autonomous bodies under the Central Government.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) including technical designs and financial estimates. STEP 2 - Submit the proposal through the State or Union Territory Department of Sports. STEP 3 - Central entities submit their proposals through the official government guidelines. STEP 4 - The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports reviews the technical feasibility of the project. STEP 5 - The Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) evaluates the merits of the proposal. STEP 6 - The Departmental Project Approval Committee (DPAC) grants final approval. STEP 7 - Receive fund sanction based on project milestones and submit periodic use certificates.

Documents

Applicants must submit the following documentation:

• Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• Technical drawings, designs and Bill of Quantities (BOQ).
• Cost estimates based on the Delhi Schedule of Rates (DSR).
• Land ownership, clearance and encumbrance-free certificates.
• Project justification report and asset maintenance plan.
• Undertaking to cover costs that go beyond the approved grant.
• Accessibility compliance and community use plans.
• MoUs with executing agencies and contractor award letters.
• Progress reports, use certificates and site photographs.

References

Official Scheme Guidelines

Khelo India Official Website

Khelo India Infrastructure Projects Dashboard

FAQ's

What is the primary objective of this scheme?

The scheme provides financial support to bridge infrastructure gaps by creating new sports facilities or upgrading existing ones across the country.

Who manages the implementation of this scheme?

The Department of Sports, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is the main department.

Are private schools eligible for this grant?

The scheme covers state and central government institutions, state bodies, defence services and autonomous central bodies.

Is community access to these facilities mandatory?

Yes, all sports infrastructure receiving grant-in-aid must be open to the community, schools and local sports bodies.

Is land ownership a requirement?

Yes, the applicant must have clear title to the land, which must be free from any legal encumbrances.

What changed in the Khelo India Scheme for 2026?

The scheme was revamped and expanded for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹29,054 crore, and the infrastructure component is now carried through the State Action Plan for Sports Infrastructure Development.