Seven years ago, we ignated a movement with the launch of the khelo india school games (KISG). Today, as I look at how far we’ve come, I am filled with Pride – Not just for the medals on, but for the way khelo India have transformed the very fabric of sports in our nation.
Conceptualized under the Visionary Leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Khelo India was Never Just About Winning Medals – It was about ingument a nationwide movements, Ild has the opportunity to play and develop holistic. Today, this movement has Evolved Into a Multi-Faced National Program Spanning 16 Editions of Khelo India Games, Creacing An Ecosystem that Nurtures Young Talent, Builds World-Class Infrastation inclies Ports – Laying the foundation for India’s Ambitious Goal of BOCCEMING A Dominant Global Sporting Nation.
The inaugural kisg in 2018 set the tone for India’s Grassroots Sports Revolution. Recognizing the immense potential with-level competitions, kisg created a structured pathway for young athletes to transition from inter-) inter-). Over the Years, this Initiative has identified and nurtured thosands of athletes, some of who have gone on to reeprest India at the Olympics and Asian Games. The biggest example of the system is Khel Ratna Awarde Manu Bhaker, Who Transitioned from School Games to University Games to BOCCEMING A Dual Bronze Medallist at the Paris Olympics.
With the expansion of kisg into the broader khelo India game Framework, Grassroots Talent Identification Has Became More Robust. Since Its Inception, Khelo India has conducted 16 Editions – SIX Youth Games, Four University Games, Five Winter Games and One Para Games. Each Edition has introduced new dimensions to India’s sporting landscape. This expansion has ensured a seamless transition for Athletes Across Different Levels of Competition, Reinforcing India’s Sporting Pipeline.
Khelo India has evolved beyond just an athlete identification program. It now encompasses multiple stakeholders, including corporates, state governments, private academies, and grassroots organisations. The role of the private sector has grown significantly with corporates in Sports Development Through Sponsorships, Infrastructure Projects, and Athlete Mentorship Programmes. The “One Corporate, One Sport” Initiative is Being INTOROUCED To Further Enhance Corporate Engagement in Sports by ENSUTED TARGETED Support Partnerships with the GOVERNMENT s), and corporate entities.
State Governments have also taken the initiative, proposing khelo India center (Kics) based on Regional Sporting Priorities, ENSURING that Sports Development is aligned with locopped with local needs. In addition, plans are in place to establish olympic training centers Accross different zones of the country. These world-class, high-Peerformance Centres will provide Elite Athlete Training, Including for Para-Spec TS Science, and Sports Medicine Facility.
Inclusivity has been a cornerstone of khelo India and initiatives such as the ‘Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action’ Since Its Launch in 2021, Asmita has organized over 880 competitions, impacting more than 100,000 women athletes.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi has paid the importance of supporting athletes from Rural India and Smaller Cities. Through Khelo India, We have ensured that Financial Constrants do not hold back talent. Women’s Football Leagues Under Khelo India Have Reached even Remote Areas Like Monigong in Arunachal Pradesh, Fostering Sports Participation in Regents Previous Untouched by Organized Samporting.
For Para-Hathletes, Khelo India Para Games Have Provided An Inclusive Platform, with Multiple Athletes Now Qualifying for Global events like the paralympics. The Initiative has actively promoted indigenous sports such as yogasana, mallakhamb, kalaripayattu, thang-ta and gatka, enSuring their preservation and green by integrating theem into the khelo hindia
To further professionalize the coaching structure, we have ensured the integration of past champion athletes (PCAS) as men men men mentioners at the 1000+ khelo India centers (kics). Further Experience and Expertise.
As India moves forward, the khelo India movement is more than just a sports development program; It is a strategic initiative that aligns with the country’s long-term goal of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036 and Finishing Among the top 10 sporting nations. As We Look Towards 2036, The Impact of Khelo India will be measured not just by medals on but by the millions of live In Indian Society.
(The author is union minister of youth affairs & sports and labore & Employment, Govt. Of India)
